Autism Assessment & Psychological Testing: Understanding Autism in Children and Adults

In today’s world, many children and adults are silently navigating life with undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Whether it’s a child struggling to connect with peers or an adult constantly feeling out of place, the need for clarity  is essential. That clarity comes from a professional, evidence-based autism assessment .

At Psych Therapy , Vasudha Pruthi, an RCI-licensed Clinical Psychologist, offers comprehensive psychological testing for autism tailored to both children and adults . Her approach is not just about diagnosis—it’s about understanding, supporting, and empowering individuals to thrive.

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)  is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives , communicates , interacts , and behaves . It’s called a spectrum because symptoms and traits can vary widely—from subtle social differences to more pronounced developmental challenges.

Common signs of autism may include:

•  Difficulty with social interaction or understanding social cues
•  Delayed speech or unusual patterns of communication
•  Limited eye contact or facial expressions
• Repetitive behaviors or fixations on specific interests
•  Sensory sensitivities (e.g., being overwhelmed by noise or touch)
• Preference for routine and predictability

It’s important to understand that autism is not a disease. It’s a different way of experiencing the world. And while it can bring challenges, it also comes with unique strengths—from deep focus to creative thinking.

But to offer the right support, we must first understand the individual , and that starts with a thorough autism assessment.

Why Get an Autism Assessment?

The reasons for seeking an autism assessment vary, but they all come down to one thing: understanding . Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development or an adult who has always felt “different,” psychological testing can provide the clarity you need.

Here’s why a formal autism assessment matters:

1. Clarity, Not Guesswork

Online quizzes and casual observations can raise suspicions, but they’re not reliable. A professional autism assessment uses standardised tools and clinical expertise to give you an accurate understanding.

2. Different Presentation in Adults and Females

Autism doesn’t always look the way movies or TV shows portray it. In adults—especially women and girls—it can be masked or expressed differently. Many adults go undiagnosed for years and only realise later in life that they may be autistic.

3. Access to Support Services

A formal diagnosis can open the door to school accommodations, workplace adjustments, therapy options, and social support groups—resources that may otherwise be unavailable.

4. Avoiding Misdiagnosis

Autism is often mistaken for anxiety, ADHD, OCD, or even personality disorders. A proper autism assessment  helps avoid incorrect labels and ensures the right support strategy.

5. Empowerment and Self-Understanding

For many, especially adults, getting a diagnosis is like finally reading the right chapter of their own story. It can be validating, healing, and life-changing.

Why Choose Vasudha Pruthi for Autism Assessment?

Vasudha Pruthi is an RCI-licensed Clinical Psychologist based at Psych Therapy . Her practice is known for its compassionate, personalised approach to psychological testing—especially for neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.

Here’s what makes her approach unique:

• RCI Certification ensures ethical, clinical expertise
•  Experience in diagnosing both children and adults
•  Deep understanding of autism presentation across age and gender
•  Collaborative, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment
•  Detailed reports that help with therapy, school/work accommodations, and self-awareness

Whether it’s a 5-year-old showing early signs or a 35-year-old looking for answers, Vasudha approaches each case with clinical precision and deep empathy.

 What to Expect During an Autism Assessment

No two autism assessments are the same—because no two people are the same. At Psych Therapy, Vasudha tailors each evaluation based on age, needs, and presenting concerns.

For Children:

• Developmental history from parents/caregivers
• Behavioral observation through play and interaction
• Standardised tools like CARS, ADOS-2 , SCQ, and more
• Input from teachers (if applicable)
•  Cognitive, language, and sensory processing evaluations
• Rule-out of overlapping conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities

For Adults:

• In-depth clinical interview covering childhood to present
• Self-report tools such as the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) or RAADS-R
• Discussion of social, sensory, and communication challenges
• Assessment of co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or burnout
• Strengths-focused approach—identifying what works, not just what’s hard

The process typically spans multiple sessions and concludes with a detailed report summarising findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations for therapy, accommodations, and self-care strategies.

Autism in Adults: A Hidden Experience

Contrary to popular belief, autism doesn’t go away with age. Many adults spend years feeling misunderstood, struggling with relationships, sensory overload, or workplace burnout—never realising they may be on the spectrum.

An autism assessment for adults helps answer lifelong questions:

•  Why do social interactions feel exhausting?
•  Why do routines and structure matter so much to me?
•  Why am I so sensitive to lights, sounds, or touch?
•  Why do I feel like I’m “masking” my real self around others?

Getting an autism diagnosis as an adult is not too late—it’s often the beginning of self-acceptance and a better quality of life

The Power of Early Autism Assessment in Children

Early diagnosis can change the trajectory of a child’s life. If you’re noticing signs—delayed speech, unusual play, lack of eye contact, repetitive behaviors—it’s important to seek professional assessment early.

Benefits of early autism assessment

1. Timely speech and occupational therapy
2. Better school planning and learning strategies
3. Improved social skills and peer interaction
4. Parental training and emotional support
5. Reduced anxiety and frustration—for both child and family

Early intervention doesn’t change who your child is—it helps them become the best version of themselves.

FAQs About Autism Assessment

Q: At what age can autism be diagnosed?

Autism can often be reliably diagnosed by age 2 or 3. However, assessments can be done at any age—including in teenagers and adults.

Q: What are red flags that suggest my child might need an autism assessment?

Look out for signs like lack of eye contact, limited speech, repetitive behaviors, difficulty playing with others, or intense focus on specific topics. If these persist, an assessment is advised.

Q: Can autism be confused with ADHD or anxiety?

Yes. Many traits of autism overlap with ADHD, social anxiety, and other conditions. That’s why a comprehensive assessment by an RCI-licensed psychologist is crucial.

Q: Will the assessment give me a diagnosis on the spot?

No. The assessment involves several steps—interviews, testing, and report preparation. A formal diagnosis, if applicable, is discussed in a dedicated feedback session with a written report.

Q: Will I receive a report I can use for school or workplace accommodations?

Yes. A full psychological report is provided post-assessment, which is valid for educational boards, workplaces, therapy referrals, and more.

Final Thoughts: Autism Assessment is a Path to Clarity, Not a Label

Autism isn’t something to be “fixed”—it’s something to be understood and supported. Whether you’re a parent worried about your child’s development or an adult finally putting the pieces together, a professional autism assessment can open doors to better self-awareness, improved relationships, and tailored support.

With Vasudha Pruthi, RCI-licensed Clinical Psychologist at Psych Therapy , you’ll find an approach that is thorough, sensitive, and empowering. Her goal is not just to give you answers—but to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

📞 Take the first step today. Visit Psych Therapy to schedule your autism assessment consultation with Vasudha Pruthi-Available at both Psych Therapy Lajpat Nagar and Psych Therapy Paschim Vihar