Autism Testing in Tampa - TBAC Group Evaluation Services Tampa Bay Area Counseling

Autism Testing

Could an Autism Evaluation Be the Key to Understanding Your Needs?

Are certain behaviors or developmental delays causing you to wonder if your child might be on the autism spectrum?

Or are you an adult who suspects that autism may be at the root of your symptoms?

Receiving an accurate diagnosis—regardless of age—can ensure that you or your child receives the support you need. An autism diagnosis can open doors and create opportunities, especially when the right interventions are in place. Our autism evaluation specialists are committed to helping you get the answers and support you deserve.

What Are The Signs Of Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can present social, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Because autism exists on a spectrum, some individuals experience more severe symptoms than others, while certain signs may be subtle or misdiagnosed as other issues.

Common signs of autism in children include:

Delayed cognitive, language, or motor skills
Difficulty regulating strong emotions and responding appropriately to stress
Avoidance of smiling or making eye contact
Impulsive and/or inattentive behaviors
Repetitive movements

Some of these symptoms may resemble those of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While there is a significant overlap between autism and ADHD diagnoses in children, it is essential to understand how each condition uniquely presents itself.

On the other hand, many adults may struggle throughout their lives without ever being tested for autism. For these individuals, symptoms often include:

Difficulty understanding social cues
Intense social anxiety
Challenges in identifying and expressing emotions
A strong need for routine and structure

It goes without saying that every aspect of life—from school to work to relationships—can be affected by autism-related challenges. However, with the support of an accurate diagnosis and a specialist who understands the value of tailored interventions, you or your child can learn effective strategies for managing stress and regulating emotions.

Why Getting an Accurate Diagnosis Isn’t Always Easy

Autism is relatively common, and the rate of diagnosis has steadily increased over the years as awareness of ASD has grown. For adults whose symptoms were overlooked in childhood, there has been a particularly strong surge in autism testing as we continue to learn more about the broad spectrum of experiences.

Unfortunately, the demand for autism evaluations often exceeds the number of experienced testing specialists available. This can cause unnecessary delays in diagnosis, preventing individuals with autism from receiving timely support. In many cases, an official diagnosis is required to access certain interventions and services.

Our assessments can open doors to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), equine-assisted therapy, and disability services. Not only do our testing specialists help lay the foundation for accessing essential accommodations—they also provide guidance that can improve your overall quality of life.

TBAC Group Offers Comprehensive, State-of-the-Art Autism

At TBAC, we provide comprehensive autism diagnosis tests in Tampa Bay for children, teens, and adults. Using the gold standard in autism assessment—the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)—we thoroughly analyze your or your child’s symptoms, provide a clinical diagnosis, and collaborate with you to ensure access to ongoing support.

The Evaluation Process

All of our testing is conducted in-office and typically takes about 2–3 hours. Clients are encouraged to bring snacks, water, or anything else that will help keep them comfortable. For evaluations involving minors, parents will not be permitted in the room during the testing itself.

Your clinician will provide a comprehensive report and assist you in obtaining any necessary accommodations—usually within 2–3 weeks of the evaluation. During your follow-up session, your testing specialist will review the results with you in detail, giving you ample time to ask questions and learn about available interventions. Ongoing therapy through our practice is also available for clients seeking to improve social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

An autism diagnosis can be a vital step toward a more functional lifestyle and healthier relationships. With the support of our dedicated team, you can gain the clarity you need to navigate life with confidence.

Answers to Common Questions About Autism Assessments

"An autism assessment sounds expensive."

While testing can be an expense for private-pay clients, it’s ultimately an investment in you or your child’s long-term well-being. After all, you can’t put a price on the clarity and support you may have been seeking for years. For those who may find it difficult to pay the full fee upfront, we offer flexible payment plans to help make the process more accessible.

"What if I disagree with the results?"

Your testing specialist will review the process and address any questions with you before the autism evaluation; we want to ensure you feel prepared and know what to expect.

That said, autism assessments go beyond the evaluator’s opinion. The ADOS-2 is an objective, evidence-based tool and is considered the gold standard of autism testing. Results from the ADOS-2 are typically very accurate.

"Is there a wait to be evaluated?"

While many testing specialists have a several-month wait, we usually can get started quickly with clients. When we don’t have a waitlist for autism testing (which is currently the case), the evaluation process can begin within a month.

Discover Clarity and Access the Support You Deserve

TBAC Group proudly offers the ADOS-2 autism assessment in the Tampa Bay area for children, teens, and adults. If you suspect Autism Spectrum Disorder may be affecting you or your child, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@tbacgroup.com or a call at (727) 732-4305 to schedule your evaluation.