Expert Autism Assessments for Children, Teens, and Adults —
Serving Greater Los Angeles & Virtual California
If you or your loved one struggles with social communication, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviors, or relationship challenges, an autism assessment can provide clarity and direction. At Grey Matter Psychological Assessment, we provide professional autism testing in Santa Monica, California, and proudly serve families and adults throughout Greater Los Angeles and virtually across California.
What is an autism assessment?
An autism assessment (also called an ASD evaluation) is a comprehensive evaluation that helps determine whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Licensed psychologists use validated tools and structured interviews to understand your unique profile — including strengths, challenges, and areas of need.
Who should consider autism testing?
You or your child may benefit from an autism evaluation if you notice:
Difficulty with social interactions or interpreting social cues
Challenges expressing thoughts or navigating conversations
Sensory sensitivities (sounds, lights, textures)
Repetitive interests or routines
Feeling “different” or misunderstood despite strong abilities
Masking autistic traits or delayed diagnosis until adolescence/adulthood
Early and accurate diagnosis can unlock access to support, accommodations, and resources that improve quality of life and daily functioning.
Autism presents differently in each person. Many individuals, especially girls, high achievers, or those who mask their symptoms, are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. Early and accurate diagnosis can lead to better support and improved quality of life.
Autism Testing Services We Offer
Autism Testing for ChildrenWe assess children who demonstrate patterns of social-communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, or repetitive behaviors impacting school, play, and relationships.
Autism Testing for TeensMany adolescents were missed in early screening or learned to mask traits. Our teen autism assessments help clarify diagnosis and support academic and social planning.
Autism Testing for AdultsAdults who have always “felt different” or struggled with social expectations can benefit from a comprehensive assessment — including documentation for workplace or higher-education accommodations.
What’s Included in Our Autism Evaluation
We provide:
Comprehensive clinical interview and developmental history
Standardized ASD assessment measures and observation data
Structured scoring and objective interpretation
Detailed written report tailored for advocacy
Recommendations for supports and accommodations (school, work, community)
Debrief session with your psychologist to discuss findings and next steps
A formal, evidence-based evaluation ensures diagnostic accuracy and creates a usable roadmap for real-world support.
Symptoms & Signs We Assess
Autism presents differently in every person — that’s why a structured assessment is essential. We look for patterns in:
Communication differences
Social-emotional reciprocity
Non-verbal communication
Routines and repetitive behaviors
Sensory responses
Daily living skills
Understanding these patterns helps us differentiate autism from other neurodevelopmental conditions and create a personalized support plan.
Why Choose Us for Autism Testing?
Licensed psychologists experienced in autism diagnosis
Compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming evaluation approach
Detailed, clear reports for school/work accommodations
Virtual and in-office options
Support for California families and adults
We help you understand what’s happening and what to do next with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We assess children (6+), adolescents, and adults.
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Evaluations typically span multiple sessions over a few weeks, including intake, testing, and feedack.
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Yes— our detailed report supports school planning and disability services accommodations.
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Yes- virtual evaluations for California residents are available.
What is autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis, which means that something different (but powerful!) is happening in your brain. That difference is not a bad thing, but it can feel like a bad thing when you aren’t sure what is happening to you. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how people communicate, interact with others, and experience the world around them. It is diagnosed on a “spectrum” because it includes a wide range of strengths, challenges, and ways that people think or behave.
The good news? It is diagnosable and you can get resources and support that could completely change your life. You just need the right testing in order to get an autism diagnosis. We’ve become mavens at providing the best autism assessments so that you can finally get clear on how your brain works.
In your autism assessment, we test your neurological functioning and collect meaningful data about your educational, social-emotional, and developmental history. Why? Because getting the diagnosis right can provide you with high-impact resources and recommendations for managing your overwhelm. We write a report that helps you advocate for yourself at your school and/or work. Our reports include all the necessary information for you to advocate for your needs when you submit them to your work or school’s Disabilities Office. You can’t get testing accommodations unless you have one of these reports.
Have you been masking your autism for most of your life?
High-masking individuals are often missedSome individuals with autism, especially those who are highly intelligent or "high-masking," might not be diagnosed until adulthood. These people may have learned to hide or "mask" their differences, making it harder for teachers, parents, or doctors to notice signs of autism when they were children. Common signs in high-masking or high-functioning adults can include:
Feeling overwhelmed in social situations
Difficulty understanding social cues or body language
Needing routines and feeling stressed by changes
Deep interests in specific topics
Sensory sensitivities (such as to lights, sounds, or textures)
Feeling like they don’t “fit in” or are “different,” even if they seem to manage well on the outside
Why is Comprehensive Testing Necessary?
Some psychiatrists and psychologists will offer a preliminary diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or other learning disabilities when doing a clinical interview; however, the technical diagnosis of autism requires testing and assessment by a licensed psychologist. Why? To get the correct diagnosis, the assessment uses scientifically verified methods of testing to measure:
Sensory processing skills
Restricted behaviors or interests
Cognitive skills
Social-emotional development
Visual motor integration
And even more!
Beyond testing, there’s a really powerful way you can begin to train your brain for better focus and emotional regulation. Introducing NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback.
This is professional-grade, easy-to-use neurofeedback from the comfort of your home. Non-linear neurofeedback is a non-invasive and safe way to train your brain to be more focused and feel calmer. Autistic folks out there will know that this is a huge daily struggle.
We rent our professional-grade systems to you so you can brain train from the comfort of your home. If you don’t want to add another appointment to your week but still want the benefits of neurofeedback, contact us about renting our professional systems.
Autism resources at home
Through NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Rentals
Other autism resources
Read more about autism diagnosis and treatment here.
Wondering if you have autism and ADHD? Read our blog here.
Want to help your brain feel less distracted and more motivated but you don’t have time for another appointment on your schedule? You can rent our professional-grade neurofeedback systems here.
Do you know you don’t have Autism but you think you have another learning disorder?
We can test for other learning disorders, too.