So you’re thinking about getting tested for autism. Maybe you’ve spent years feeling like everyone else got a manual for life that you never received. Maybe your kid just got diagnosed and you saw a lot of yourself in what the doctor described. Maybe you just watched a video online and thought, wait, that’s me.
Whatever brought you here, you’re probably wondering the same things most people are: Where do I even go for this? How much is it going to cost? What actually happens during the test? And is it even worth doing?
Let’s go through all of that, in plain terms, without the clinical language that makes this stuff harder to understand than it needs to be.
One honest thing before we start. I can walk you through the process here, but I can’t diagnose you, and neither can any article online. Only a real evaluation with a trained professional can do that. Think of this as the part that helps you feel less lost before you make that first phone call.
Why adults get tested in the first place
There’s no single sign that means you should get tested. It’s usually a bunch of small things that pile up over the years. Maybe conversations always feel like more work than they seem to be for other people. Maybe bright lights or loud rooms wear you out faster than they should. Maybe changes in plans throw you off way more than they throw off your friends. Maybe you’ve spent your whole life being called “too sensitive” or “too intense” or “too much,” and none of those labels ever quite fit right.
If a lot of that sounds familiar, that’s a good enough reason to look into testing. You don’t need to check every box on some checklist first.
How the testing actually works
Getting tested as an adult isn’t a single appointment where someone hands you an answer at the end. It usually happens in a few stages.
First, you’ll have some kind of intake call or form, just a conversation about your background and why you’re seeking testing. This is also a good time to ask about cost and timing before you commit to anything.
Next comes the actual testing, which usually takes place over more than one session. The person testing you will likely use something called the ADOS-2, which is basically the standard tool most professionals use to assess autism in both kids and adults. Along with that, you’ll probably go through interviews about your life history and maybe some additional questionnaires.
After that, you’ll sit down for a feedback session. This is where someone actually explains the results to you in person, not just mails you a report and leaves you to figure it out alone. They’ll tell you whether you meet the criteria for autism and answer whatever questions you have.
Finally, you get a written report. This matters more than it sounds like it would. That report is what you’d use later if you want workplace accommodations, want to look into therapy, or just want something solid in hand after years of wondering.
From start to finish, this whole process usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months. It’s not fast, mostly because good testing takes real time, and partly because there simply aren’t enough specialists to keep up with how many adults are seeking evaluations right now.
Who does this kind of testing in Colorado
You’re generally looking for a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or a specialist who focuses on developmental evaluations, not your regular doctor. Most of these specialists are based around the Denver area, including nearby suburbs like Englewood, with more options popping up in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Boulder too. If you live somewhere further out, some places now offer this over video calls, which has made things a lot easier for people who don’t live near a big city.
One thing worth asking directly when you’re looking into a provider: do they actually have experience testing adults, not just kids? Testing an adult for autism is a bit different than testing a child, since a lot of adults have spent years learning to hide or work around their traits without even realizing that’s what they were doing. A provider who mostly works with kids might miss things that show up differently in someone who’s had decades to adapt.
What it costs, and whether insurance helps
Let’s just talk numbers plainly, since this is usually the part people are most nervous to ask about.
Most adult evaluations in Colorado run somewhere between $1,500 and $3,500 if you’re paying out of pocket. Some more detailed evaluations can run higher, up to around $5,000, depending on how much testing is involved.
Insurance can help, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. If you have insurance, you might pay a copay somewhere between $20 and $100 per visit, though you may need to hit your deductible first. If you’re on Health First Colorado, which is the state’s Medicaid program, there’s a good chance your evaluation is covered, so it’s worth checking your eligibility before assuming you can’t afford this.
Here’s the most useful advice I can give you on this part: call your insurance company before you book anything, and ask them directly whether autism testing for adults is covered under your plan. Coverage for adults is honestly less consistent than it is for kids, so don’t assume either way until you’ve actually checked. And if you do get denied, you can usually appeal it, and some practices have someone on staff who can help you through that process.
Some places also offer payment plans or a sliding scale based on income, so it’s worth just asking, even if the sticker price feels out of reach.
What happens after you get your results
Getting a diagnosis is really just the starting line, not the finish line. A few things tend to open up once you have that report in hand.
If you’re working, you can use it to request accommodations at your job under the Americans with Disabilities Act. That could mean things like getting instructions in writing instead of just verbally, wearing noise-canceling headphones, or having more control over your lighting and workspace.
A lot of people also look into therapy after getting diagnosed, ideally with someone who actually understands autism and doesn’t treat it like something broken that needs fixing. Others find real comfort just connecting with other autistic adults, whether that’s online or through a local group, simply because it feels good to finally be around people who get it without needing an explanation.
And honestly, some people get tested purely for their own peace of mind and don’t pursue anything else afterward. That’s completely okay too. The point of testing is to give you answers and options, not to lock you into doing anything specific with them.
Questions people usually have
How do I actually get tested for autism as an adult in Colorado?
You can usually reach out directly to a psychologist or specialty clinic that handles adult evaluations, no referral needed in most cases. That said, double check with your insurance company first, since some plans require a referral for it to be covered.
Will my insurance actually pay for this?
It depends completely on your plan. A lot of private insurance covers it if it’s considered medically necessary, and Health First Colorado often covers it too. Call and ask before you book, since this varies a lot from one plan to the next.
How long does the whole thing take?
Usually a few weeks to a couple of months from your first call to getting your final report. The testing itself is spread across more than one session, so don’t expect a single quick appointment.
Can I get diagnosed as an adult even if nobody caught it when I was a kid?
Yes, and this happens all the time. A lot of adults weren’t diagnosed young because they learned to mask their traits without realizing it, or because doctors back then just didn’t know what to look for the way they do now. A late diagnosis is completely normal.
What’s the difference between taking an online quiz and getting an actual diagnosis?
Online quizzes can be a helpful first step to figure out whether it’s worth looking further into, but they’re not an actual diagnosis. Only a real evaluation with a trained professional, using proper testing tools, can give you something official you can use for accommodations or other support.
Is it even worth getting tested if I’m doing fine day to day?
That’s really up to you. Some people just want the clarity for themselves, even if they don’t plan to change anything about their daily life afterward. Others wait until something specific comes up, like needing workplace accommodations, before deciding it’s worth the time and cost. Neither reason is more valid than the other.