Many adults come to us with questions like:
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“I’ve always felt different—could it be autism?”
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“Social situations drain me. Is there an explanation?”
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“Things others find simple have always felt complicated for me.”
If you are a college student, enrolled in a vocational training program, or plan to enroll in an educational or training program, and you’ve been wondering whether you might be on the autism spectrum, seeking answers is a brave and important step. Our adult ASD evaluation is designed to help you better understand your thinking, behavior, and life experiences—and to explore whether autism, another diagnosis, or a combination of factors best explains what you’re experiencing. We consider a full range of possibilities as part of a responsible diagnostic process.
What Is an Adult ASD Evaluation?
This is a thorough, respectful process that helps us understand how your brain works and how it’s shaped your life. Autism can look very different from one person to another, especially in adults who’ve found ways to adapt or mask their differences over time. We also know that many concerns that bring people to an autism evaluation—such as social anxiety, attention difficulties, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed—can overlap with other conditions. That’s why we take a careful, thoughtful approach.
Our evaluations look at:
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How you process social interactions and communication
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Sensory sensitivities and patterns of behavior
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Attention, memory, and problem-solving
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Mental health history (such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, or trauma)
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Your personal and developmental history
What to Expect
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Initial Intake: We start by listening. We’ll discuss your goals, your concerns, and whether an autism evaluation is the right next step.
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Evaluation Sessions: You’ll complete structured interviews, questionnaires, and interactive tasks with a licensed psychologist or a supervised trainee. We may also ask, with your permission, for input from a trusted friend or family member.
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Comprehensive Feedback: After we’ve reviewed all the information, we’ll meet with you to talk through the results. If autism is part of the picture, we’ll explain why. If something else better explains your experience—or if a diagnosis isn’t clear—we’ll walk you through that too. You’ll receive a written report that includes clear, personalized recommendations to help you move forward.
Why It Matters
Whether the evaluation confirms autism or reveals something different, our goal is to help you understand yourself more fully. This insight can lead to better self-advocacy, reduced self-doubt, and access to services, communities, or accommodations that fit your needs. We approach every evaluation with care, curiosity, and respect—no matter the outcome.
If you’re ready to take the next step or just want to learn more, please contact us at 865-974-6177 or klass@utk.edu.