Autism Assessment
IN SHERMAN OAKS, CALIFORNIA
Many people seek an autism assessment when they notice long-standing patterns that feel different from those around them.
You might have spent years feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed by social situations, or unsure why certain environments feel harder to manage. Some individuals mask their discomfort to fit in. Others withdraw or become anxious when routines shift or expectations change. These experiences can affect school, work, relationships, and daily life in ways that are difficult to explain.
An autism assessment helps you understand these patterns through a clear, respectful, and thoughtful process. At Duality Psychological Services here in Sherman Oaks, we offer evaluations for children, teens, and adults who want clarity about their experiences and support that feels validating rather than overwhelming.
When Autism Affects Everyday Life
Autism can shape how someone processes information, relates to others, manages sensory input, and moves through daily routines. Many people learn to adapt in ways that hide their struggles, which is why autism often goes unrecognized until later in life.
Difficulty reading social cues
Feeling drained after social interactions
Sensitivity to lights, sounds, or textures
A strong need for routines or predictable environments
Intense interests or deep focus on specific topics
Difficulty shifting between tasks
Challenges with unspoken expectations
Emotional overload that leads to shutdown or frustration
Confusion about how others communicate
What You Can Learn From an Autism Assessment
A thorough autism evaluation looks at social communication, sensory processing, cognitive abilities, emotional experiences, and how you navigate daily tasks. It brings together multiple types of information to create a clear, accurate understanding.
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Assessment explores how you interpret tone, facial expressions, and conversational cues. It clarifies why certain interactions may feel confusing or tiring.
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Many individuals experience strong responses to sound, light, texture, or movement. An evaluation helps you understand how sensory inputs affect your comfort and focus.
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Testing explores how you process information, organize thoughts, solve problems, and express yourself. These insights can guide support strategies at school or work.
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Autism often overlaps with anxiety, stress, trauma, or intense emotional responses. Assessment helps clarify these experiences without judgment.
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An autism assessment distinguishes autism from ADHD, social anxiety, learning differences, or trauma-based patterns that can look similar. This clarity is important for choosing the right support.
Why Autism Assessment Matters
A thoughtful evaluation can make daily life feel more understandable. Many children, teens, and adults describe a sense of relief when they finally understand why certain situations have always felt harder or more draining.
Explain long-standing challenges
Identify strengths that may have gone unnoticed
Reduce confusion and self-blame
Guide decisions about support, accommodations, and treatment
Improve communication between family members
Bring clarity to school or work difficulties
Whether the goal is diagnosis, guidance for next steps, or better self-understanding, an autism assessment offers a meaningful foundation.
How Autism Testing Works at Duality
At Duality Psychological Services, autism assessments are individualized, thorough, and grounded in a calm, respectful process. We understand that each person’s experience is unique, and we take time to understand your history and current concerns.
A detailed clinical interview
Standardized autism-specific measures
Cognitive and learning assessments when needed
Evaluation of social communication and interaction
Review of sensory, emotional, and behavioral patterns
Clear feedback explained in everyday language
A comprehensive written report with recommendations
The goal is to create clarity without overwhelming you. You leave with a clear understanding of your strengths, your challenges, and supportive steps you can take.
What Makes Duality Different
Duality Psychological Services blends clinical expertise with a warm, steady approach that helps you feel understood throughout the process. We do not rush evaluations or rely on quick impressions. Instead, we focus on accurate, thoughtful assessment that honors each individual’s story.
Our team has deep experience evaluating autism across age groups and presentations, including individuals who mask, individuals with co-occurring ADHD (AuDHD), and those who have been misunderstood or overlooked in the past.
Reach Out For An Autism Assessment
If you or your child has been struggling with social interactions, sensory overload, emotional intensity, or long-standing patterns that don’t quite make sense, an autism assessment can help you understand what is happening beneath the surface. You do not have to face these questions alone.
FAQs About Autism Assessments in Sherman Oaks, California
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An autism assessment reviews social communication, sensory responses, and daily patterns. It helps clarify strengths and challenges so you can understand what is shaping your experiences.
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It may help if you or your child feel overwhelmed in social settings, have sensory sensitivities, or struggle with routines, communication, or emotional intensity.
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Yes. Many adults seek evaluation after years of feeling misunderstood or exhausted from masking symptoms. Assessment brings clarity and guides supportive next steps.
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It can. Cognitive testing is added when needed to understand learning style, problem solving, and how information is processed day to day.
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You receive clear feedback and a written report. The results guide recommendations for school, work, daily routines, and any helpful supports.
Ready for Support That Brings Clarity?
Duality Psychological Services offers therapy and psychological testing in Sherman Oaks to help you understand your patterns, feel grounded, and move forward with more clarity. When you’re ready, we are here to talk through what you’re facing and help you take the next step.