Finding the right support for autism starts with having the right information. We’re here to help you understand your choices and find the best way to move forward. If you are exploring a possible autism diagnosis for yourself or a loved one, we want to help you navigate your next steps.
How Rula supports you
Rula provides a wide range of therapy and psychiatry services to help you manage symptoms and improve your daily life. Our therapists are experts at helping people work through things like social confidence, emotional regulation, and managing stress.
Our therapists can diagnose and support individuals on the Autism Disorder Spectrum during your regular sessions. However, it is important to know that we do not currently offer formal autism evaluations or neurodevelopmental testing.
Understanding formal evaluations
You might wonder why someone would need a "formal" evaluation or psychological testing. These tests are often required to get special help (sometimes called accommodations) at school or in the workplace. Formal diagnostic testing for autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions often requires a very specific type of clinical setup, including several hours of specialized, in-person or high-level observational testing.
At Rula, our model is designed for ongoing therapeutic support rather than one-time diagnostic assessments.
Helpful next steps
We want to make sure you have the right information so you can get the answers you need. If you are looking for a formal evaluation, here is the best way to start:
- Talk to your doctor: The best place to start is usually with your Primary Care Physician (or your child’s pediatrician). They can give you a medical referral to a specialist who performs these tests.
- Check your insurance: You can call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask for a list of "In-network Neuropsychologists" or "Psychological Testing" providers.
- Ask your employer: Sometimes, employers have special programs that help you find these types of specialized evaluations.
- Look into virtual options: There are also specialized services like Minder Memory that offer neuropsychological evaluations online.
You don’t have to wait to start
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t need a formal diagnosis to start feeling better. If you receive an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, or if you simply want to start therapy to work on your personal goals right now, we are here for you.
If you are struggling with specific symptoms (like feeling "stuck," misunderstood, or overwhelmed) our therapists can work with you on those feelings directly. We focus on your lived experience and how to help you reach your goals, regardless of a formal label.
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