Get the Answers You’re Seeking With Our Autism Testing in Arlington, VA
Autism is not simply a label—it’s understanding.
At Virginia Lindahl, Ph.D. Therapy and Psych Testing in Arlington, VA, I provide comprehensive autism testing for children, teens, and adults who want clarity about social communication, sensory differences, and patterns of thinking or behavior. Many people come to me after years of feeling “different,” misunderstood, or exhausted from masking. Others are parents seeking answers for a child who is struggling socially, emotionally, or academically. Regardless of who you are, a thoughtful autism assessment can help you understand what’s going on and identify practical supports that actually fit.
A Brief Overview of Autism Testing With Virginia Lindahl, Ph.D.
I offer comprehensive autism evaluations for children (ages 5+), adolescents, and adults. Each autism evaluation is personalized and thorough, using a combination of interviews, questionnaires, observational tools, and standardized measures. I use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), the gold standard in autism assessment, along with other evidence-based instruments. When appropriate, I also collaborate with schools, therapists, or other providers to ensure a complete and accurate picture. These assessments are designed to diagnose or confirm autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and then identify areas of strength and difficulty at school, work, or in life.
Why Is Access to Reliable Autism Testing So Important?
In recent years, many adults, especially women and high-achieving individuals, have sought autism testing after recognizing long-standing patterns that were previously misunderstood or overlooked. These may include:
- Intense internal experiences
- Challenges with sensory regulation or transitions
- Social communication differences masked by compensation or camouflaging
Because autism can present differently in girls and women, it is common for individuals to reach adulthood without a formal diagnosis. You may be dealing with misdiagnoses, confusion, or self-doubt. If you have ever wondered whether autism might explain lifelong experiences of feeling different, struggling to connect, or burning out from masking, a thoughtful evaluation can be deeply empowering. It provides a roadmap for identifying supports that honor your needs.
Autism Testing for Children, Teens, and Adults in Arlington, VA
Autism testing answers important questions at every stage of life. For children, evaluation can support early intervention, school planning, and confidence-building. For teens, it can help explain social fatigue, anxiety, or burnout. For adults, an autism diagnosis can bring validation and support for workplace or academic needs. In an autism assessment, I consider a wide range of traits, including:
- Social communication differences and relationship patterns
- Sensory sensitivities and overwhelm
- Repetitive behaviors, routines, or intense interests
- Executive functioning challenges and emotional regulation
- Developmental history and current daily functioning
Whether you are seeking early intervention for your child or clarity as an adult, my goal is to offer respectful, affirming autism testing in a setting where you feel understood. Together, we’ll work toward insight with next steps that are truly helpful. Contact Virginia Lindahl, Ph.D. Therapy and Psych Testing today to learn more! All testing services are conducted in person at my office in Arlington.