The Sachs Center offers the most comprehensive Autism testing, using the latest diagnostic tools in our evaluations. Our psychologists are specialists in neurodiversity, offering a compassionate and knowledgeable assessment.
Contact us for Autism Testing in NYC, NJ, CT, MD, FL, and the United States.
Know With Confidence If You Have Autism.
Do you think you might be Autistic? Do you get stressed out in social situations? Do you like to know what will happen and get frustrated or stressed if the plans change? Do you have unique behaviors like pacing or picking your skin that calm you down? If you relate to the majority of these situations, you may be living with Autism and should consider our comprehensive Autism testing.
The problem is that many psychiatrists and psychologists don't know the signs and symptoms of Autism, particularly in women and people of color. The Sachs Center specializes in the testing and treatment of Autism, so our psychologists are experts in diagnosing Autism in those who have been socialized to mask their symptoms.
What is Autism?
To better understand autism, picture yourself in a room filled with people, yet you are struggling to communicate effectively. You have something to say but are not sure when it is appropriate to speak and how you should phrase your thoughts.
You find it difficult to make eye contact and have received feedback that you’re not friendly enough. Despite frequent suggestions to improve your social skills, you're uncertain about where to begin.
You want to contribute to the conversation but are sometimes told that you are "too blunt" or say the "wrong things". Ultimately, after many failed attempts, you may leave saying nothing at all.
What is Social Communication?
What does it mean to struggle with social communication? In general, peope with autism often do not pick up on the typical social cues the way neurotypical (not-neurodivergent) people do. For instance, consider a common scenario for neurotypicals: a friend is sharing a story that doesn't particularly interest us. However, adhering to social norms, we often nod and simulate excitement to maintain the flow of the conversation and support the friend.
A person with autism might candidly express their boredom or disengage from a conversation, often without recognizing the social repercussions of such actions. They may not realize that even if a conversation becomes uncomfortable for other people, the conversation may continue even when the context is inappropriate. Conversely, many conversations considered "normal" may be awkward and uncomfortable for those with autism, especially if they struggle to grasp the conversation's purpose or the neurotypical partner's intent.
When individuals with autism do find a topic they enjoy, they may become preoccupied and obsessed with it. This intense focus can sometimes restrict their ability to maintain friendships, particularlty if they are unable to find others who share their interest or are willing to engage with it. Additionally, people with autism often find it challenging to decipher nonverbal cues, such as reading facial expressions, and may feel uneasy with the neurotypical expectation of maintaining eye contact during conversations.
People with autism may struggle to moderate their tone when sending emotional messages to neurotypicals in a manner they will understand. This can manifest in unintentionally speaking in a monotone voice or speaking too loudly or too formally for the setting they are in, such as using a classroom-style of communication while interacting with friends at a party.
Furthermore, those with autism often rely on routines and dislike change, partly due to heightened anxiety and lack of understanding in new situations. They may also experience hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity to sensory input such as sounds, lights, and textures, a trait attributed to the unique characteristics of the autistic nervous system.
These differences, coupled with a lack of support or understanding for how those with autism experience the world, can affect relationships, employment, and general health. Daily activities can become challenging, confusing, and occasionally overwhelming. People who are neurodivergent, such as those on the autism spectrum, work hard to better understand the confusing social world around them. Professional support can play a vital role in aiding them in this continuous endeavor.
Positive Attributes
Individuals with autism often possess a variety of positive skills and traits. These characteristics include an increased ability to focus on details, the capacity to persevere without being swayed by others’ opinions, the ability to work independently, recognition of patterns that may be missed by others, heightened perception of some sensations, determination, and an original way of thinking. Remembering and valuing these unique abilities is crucial, as they can be instrumental in achieving success in various aspects of life, whether for yourself or for your child.
Autism Testing
We offer testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the Sachs Center. The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) test is two hours long and consists of a clinical interview, where we learn about your past and current traits. We also offer specific evidence-based ASD tests from third-party researchers.