ADULT AUTISM ASSESSMENTS IN BC

Neurodiversity-Affirming Autism Evaluations for Adults Across British Columbia & Alberta

 

Living with lifelong traits of autism without clarity can be exhausting. Many adults come to us after years of masking, misunderstanding themselves, or feeling overwhelmed in school, work, and relationships.
At Safe & Sound Therapeutics, we offer compassionate, comprehensive adult autism assessments—online across BC or in person at our Kelowna clinic.

Our approach is gentle, validating, and rooted in neurodiversity, helping you understand your strengths, challenges, and the supports available to you.

What Is an Adult Autism Assessment?

Discover Personal Clarity Through Assessment

An adult autism assessment is a structured evaluation designed to understand how autistic traits have shown up across your life—in communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, social patterns, and daily functioning.

Our assessments include:

A clinical interview

Standardized autism and neurodiversity questionnaires

Optional collateral history (family or partner input)

Review of developmental history

Strength-based conceptualization

A clear written report

Recommendations for supports, accommodations, and next steps

 

Whether you’re seeking personal clarity, workplace accommodations, or academic supports, we provide you with practical, affirming guidance.

Who Our Adult Autism Assessment Supports

A diagnosis does not define you—it empowers you.

We help adults who:

  • Suspect they may be autistic
  • Have always felt “different” or misunderstood

  • Experience sensory sensitivities

  • Mask in social situations

  • Struggle with burnout or emotional overwhelm

  • Have ADHD traits as well (common co-occurrence)

  • Need clarity for school or workplace accommodations

  • Want to understand themselves at a deeper level

You do not need a childhood diagnosis to be assessed.

Our Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Our clinicians understand autism through a strengths-based, non-pathologizing, and identity-affirming lens.

We prioritize:

  • Respect

  • Gentleness

  • Clarity

  • Validation

  • Autonomy

  • Safety

We do not focus on deficits or labels.
We focus on empowerment, identity, and support.

Who Provides the Assessment?

Dr. Lisa Harder

Assessments are completed by qualified mental health professionals, including:

  • A Registered Psychologist

Depending on your needs, we match you with the clinician whose training aligns with your goals, funding requirements, or accommodation needs.

What You’ll Receive

Your assessment includes:

✔ A thorough autism evaluation

✔ A clear written summary or full report (depending on need)

✔ Strengths-based insights and recommendations

✔ Guidance for workplace or academic accommodations

✔ Support with next steps (treatment, skills-building, referrals)

✔ Online or in-person flexibility

How Long Does the Assessment Take?

Assessments typically occur over:

  • 1–2 sessions

  • 60–90 minutes each

Report writing and recommendations follow afterward. We will also support you in DTC, and PWD reports and letters. 
Our goal is timely care with no 18–24 month waitlists like in most BC public services.

Online Assessments for All of BC

In-Person for the Okanagan Valley

You can complete your assessment from anywhere in British Columbia:

  • Vancouver

  • Kelowna

  • Victoria

  • Kamloops

  • Prince George

  • Remote and rural communities

We use secure, confidential video platforms to ensure privacy and comfort.

Do I Need a Diagnosis for University or Work?

A formal autism assessment can support:

UBCO, UVic, SFU, or college disability accommodations

WorkSafeBC accommodations

Workplace accessibility plans

Housing support programs

Therapy planning

Self-understanding and identity exploration

PWD (Person With Disabilities Application for funding)

Why Adults Seek Autism Clarity

Many adults pursue an assessment because they want:

  • Validation

  • To stop masking

  • To understand sensory overwhelm

  • To improve emotion regulation

  • To explain lifelong social patterns

  • To feel seen and understood

  • To build self-compassion

A diagnosis does not define you—it empowers you.

Ready to Begin Your Assessment?

Our team is here to help you gain clarity, confidence, and connection.
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shauna paynter

2365 Gordon Drive, 209
Kelowna, BC
V1W3C2

2506811100

info@safeandsoundtherapeutics.com

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