Autism exists at an unusual crossroads right now, as it is both an aspect of identity and a diagnosis. Our understanding of autism has changed dramatically in recent years, with much of this being driven by autistic people reclaiming their voices and defining themselves, rather than being defined by (presumably neurotypical) professionals.
Now, there are many individuals who self-identify as autistic without having a formal diagnosis. This allows them to access informal support, such as through online communities. Self-identification can also be important as a way of understanding oneself and presenting authentically with others. However, access to formal support (e.g., academic accommodations, job training programs, or disability resources) often requires a formal diagnosis, typically provided by a psychologist.
Evaluations for autism are typically most straightforward with children, especially boys, as this is the population upon which the diagnostic criteria were developed. Autism can present differently in girls and women, and it is more common among nonbinary or transgender individuals, so a nuanced understanding of autism among different genders is an important aspect of a competent evaluator. Additionally, as they get older, autistic people often develop “masking” skills to blend in and cope with the demands of their environment, and these skills can make it more difficult to identify autism.
Dr. Manning has developed an expertise in the identification of autism in older teenagers and adults, especially in women and other individuals assigned female at birth. Her first intense training about autism was a five-day course in Cape Cod in 2013. While this was more traditionally focused, it helped to ignite a passion for working with autistic people that she has deepened since then. This has included formal trainings, such as with Dr. Marilyn Montiero and Dr. Kira Armstrong. Equally importantly, she has immersed herself in resources exemplifying the lived experiences of autistic people, such as Aucademy and Neuroclastic. She also consults with local and online colleagues to minimize the impact of any unconscious biases that can impact any stage of the evaluation, including selection of test instruments and interpretation of nonverbal behaviors.
If you are considering completing a formal evaluation for autism for yourself or your 16 or 17 year old child, you can schedule a free 15 minute consultation with Dr. Manning to discuss your concerns and the testing process.
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