Autism Spectrum Disorders
Assessment and Support for Adults
Many adults only realize late in life that their perception and experience fundamentally differ from those of other people. What was long seen as a quirk, shyness, or simply "being different" sometimes only gets a name after many years.
A diagnosis in adulthood can be relieving – it explains experiences that were previously hard to categorize. But it is also a process that should be conducted carefully.
Neurobiological Background
These differences are not inherently pathological – but they can lead to significant distress, especially when the environment allows little flexibility.
Why Diagnosis in Adulthood?
Diagnosis
Comprehensive History
Life story, development, current difficulties, and individual strengths.
Standardized Questionnaires
Validated self-report instruments for assessing autism-typical characteristics.
Collateral Information
Conversations with family members or significant childhood contacts when possible.
Document Review
School records, previous assessments, or reports as additional sources of information.
Differential Diagnosis
Distinguishing from ADHD, anxiety disorders, or personality traits.
After Diagnosis
Counseling
Understanding the diagnosis and support in dealing with the new perspective on your life story.
Treatment of Co-occurring Conditions
Depression, anxiety, exhaustion, or ADHD – medication and/or psychotherapy.
Support with Next Steps
Psychotherapy, self-help resources, and, if applicable, accommodations.
Autism itself is not "treated" – but quality of life can often be significantly improved.
Cost
The assessment is billed according to the German physicians' fee schedule (GOÄ). We are happy to provide a cost estimate before starting, which you can submit to your insurance.
Total costs depend on the scope of the assessment (with or without collateral information, document review, etc.). We discuss the individual process and expected costs during the initial consultation.
Appointments
Appointments are usually available within a few days. The process typically includes an initial consultation, an assessment phase with multiple appointments, and a detailed results discussion.
Assessment and counseling are available in English.