Adult Autism Evaluations in Chicago
Understanding yourself more fully starts with a strategic deep-dive.
Have you spent years feeling different, struggling to navigate social expectations, or wondering whether Autism might explain aspects of your experiences? For many adults, the question of being Autistic may not become something they wonder about until later in life, sometimes after years of navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, burnout, or a persistent sense of not quite fitting in.
At HumanKind Psychological Services, we offer comprehensive, individualized Autism evaluations for adults ages 18 and older. Our approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in an understanding of the many ways Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can present in adulthood, including among individuals who have spent years masking or adapting to others' expectations.
Whether you're seeking a formal diagnosis or simply a deeper understanding of yourself, we're here to help you find clarity and identify meaningful next steps.
understanding autism in adulthood
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how people communicate, connect with others, process sensory information, and experience the world around them. While Autism is often identified in childhood, many individuals reach adulthood without receiving a diagnosis, especially those who have learned to mask their differences or whose experiences don't fit common stereotypes of how people assume Autism will present.
For some adults, exploring the possibility of Autism can help make sense of lifelong experiences that may have previously been attributed to anxiety, ADHD, or personality traits.
Some common experiences associated with Autism in adulthood include:
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Feeling different from others or struggling to fit in socially
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Difficulty interpreting social cues or navigating unspoken expectations
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Feeling exhausted after social interactions or spending significant energy on masking (trying to look or act like you feel you're "supposed to")
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Sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or other sensory experiences
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Strong preferences for routines, predictability, or familiar environments
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Feeling overwhelmed by unexpected changes or transitions
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Deep, focused interests or passions
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Differences in communication style or preference for direct communication
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Difficulty managing competing demands or becoming overwhelmed by everyday expectations
Autism presents differently from person to person, and experiencing some of these characteristics does not necessarily mean you are Autistic. A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify whether Autism, another condition, or a combination of factors may explain your experiences. Our biggest priority is to help you leave with not just a clearer sense of whether or not you have Autism, but also a set of recommendations specific to you, to help you moving forward.
Please note: All testing includes an in-person portion, which takes place at our testing center at 2835 N Sheffield Ave. You must be physically located in Illinois to obtain psychological evaluation at HumanKind Psych.
Is an Adult Autism Evaluation Right for Me?
Many adults seek an Autism evaluation after years of wondering why certain aspects of life feel more challenging, exhausting, or different from the experiences of those around them. Others begin exploring Autism after receiving an ADHD diagnosis, learning more about neurodivergence, or recognizing familiar characteristics in a family member.
At HumanKind Psychological Services, our goal is not simply to determine whether you meet diagnostic criteria for Autism. We aim to help you better understand your unique strengths, challenges, and experiences.
A comprehensive Autism assessment can provide diagnostic clarity, identify overlapping or co-occurring conditions, and offer individualized recommendations for treatment, accommodations, and support.
Whether the evaluation results in an Autism diagnosis or points toward another explanation, our goal is to help you leave with a clearer understanding of yourself and meaningful next steps to help you thrive across different areas of your life.
What to Expect during your autism evaluation at HumanKind psych:
Get Set Up
Complete our request form here. On the form, please tell us a little about yourself and what you're hoping to better understand, provide the name of the provider who referred you (if you have one) and any other diagnoses you already have. Our intake team will review your information, answer questions about the process, discuss scheduling and payment options, and help you take the next steps. They will then schedule your evaluation at our next available date and time, and send you intake paperwork to complete.
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Complete Your Intake Interview
After you've completed the intake forms, you'll receive a link to meet virtually for your comprehensive intake interview. During this appointment, we will learn about your current experiences, developmental history, social communication, sensory experiences, and other relevant aspects of your life. We will also learn more about what you are hoping to get from the evaluation. We will schedule your in-person testing sessions at that time.
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Come in for Testing
You'll visit our Chicago office for an in-person assessment using clinical interviews and standardized evaluation tools selected to address your individual diagnostic questions. You may need to come for multiple testing sessions, depending on the nature and extent of the testing being done. With your permission, we may also gather information from a parent, partner, treatment provider, or someone else who knows you well to better understand your developmental history and experiences.
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Get Your Results & Report
Following your assessment, we will integrate the findings into a comprehensive written report. You'll meet for a feedback session to review your results, discuss any diagnoses supported by the evaluation, and receive individualized recommendations for treatment, accommodations, and other next steps. This will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions about the testing results. Our goal is to make the evaluation process collaborative, respectful, and informative from beginning to end.
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Why choose HumanKind for Adult Autism Testing?
We strive to take a thoughtful, individualized approach to Autism Assessment. At HumanKind Psychological Services, our overall philosophy is to meet each individual as a unique human being, without making assumptions. We recognize that Autism doesn't look the same for everyone. Our evaluations aim to consider the many ways that characteristics of autism and neurodivergence can present in adulthood, including among individuals who have spent years adapting to social expectations or masking aspects of their natural tendencies or personalities.
We approach assessment with curiosity, compassion, and an appreciation for each person's unique story and experiences. Rather than relying on a single test or checklist, we consider multiple sources of information to develop a comprehensive understanding of your strengths, challenges, and full diagnostic picture.
Our goal is to provide more than a diagnosis. We want you to leave with meaningful insights, practical recommendations, and a clearer understanding of how to support your wellbeing moving forward.
Insurance & Fees
HumanKind Psychological Services offers adult Autism evaluations for individuals ages 18 and older at our Chicago office.
We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO and Blue Choice plans. Coverage for Autism evaluations depends on your specific insurance plan, benefits, and the services provided.
Self-pay evaluations are also available. Our intake coordinator will discuss payment options, provide an estimate of anticipated costs, and answer questions about insurance coverage before you begin the evaluation process.
All evaluations include an in-person component at our Lakeview office, located at 2835 N. Sheffield Avenue in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychological Testing
Can Adults be diagnosed with Autism? Yes. Although Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins early in life, many people are not identified until adulthood. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether lifelong patterns of experiences and behavior are consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
How is Autism evaluated in Adults? Adult Autism evaluations typically involve a comprehensive clinical interview, review of developmental history, standardized assessment measures, and consideration of current functioning. At HumanKind, we use multiple sources of information to develop an individualized diagnostic picture and provide meaningful recommendations.
Can Autism be confused with ADHD or Anxiety? Yes. Autism, ADHD, and anxiety can share certain characteristics, including social difficulties, executive functioning challenges, and feeling overwhelmed. These conditions can also co-occur. A comprehensive psychological evaluation can help distinguish between overlapping characteristics and identify conditions that may be present together.
Does autism present differently in women? Autism can be overlooked in women and others whose experiences don't match traditional stereotypes. Some individuals develop strategies for masking social differences, imitating expected behaviors, or navigating situations that feel challenging internally. These patterns may contribute to delayed identification, although they are not exclusive to women.
What if I don't remember much about my childhood? That's okay. Developmental history is an important part of Autism assessment, but not everyone has access to childhood records or family members who can provide information. Your evaluator will work with the information available and discuss how any gaps may affect diagnostic conclusions.
Do I need a referral to request an autism evaluation? You can contact HumanKind directly to inquire about an evaluation. Our intake team will review your concerns and help determine whether our services are an appropriate fit. Insurance requirements may vary depending on your plan.
Where does autism evaluation take place? HumanKind provides adult Autism evaluations at our Lakeview Chicago office at 2835 N. Sheffield Avenue. The evaluation process includes an in-person assessment, with some appointments conducted virtually when appropriate.
What happens after an autism evaluation? You'll receive a comprehensive written report and participate in a feedback session to discuss your results. Your evaluator will explain the findings, answer questions, and provide individualized recommendations for support, treatment, accommodations, or additional resources as appropriate.
Ready to learn more about getting an adult autism evaluation?
Whether you've been wondering about Autism for years or have only recently begun exploring the possibility, we're here to help you take the next step.
Contact HumanKind Psychological Services using the form below to learn more about our adult Autism evaluations and get started.