Comprehensive, neurodiversity-affirming support for children and adults exploring an autism diagnosis.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how a person communicates, interacts, learns, and behaves. While signs often appear in early childhood, many capable and intelligent adults discover their autistic traits later in life.
At Healvia Psychiatry, we provide a modern, evidence-based approach to autism evaluation and support. We focus on understanding each individual's unique profile—their challenges and their strengths—to create a personalized plan for growth and well-being.
Common Signs of Autism
Autism presents differently in everyone. Some common signs can include:
Social Communication Differences: Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, interpreting nonverbal cues, or building age-appropriate friendships.
Sensory Sensitivities: Being over- or under-sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or tastes.
Repetitive Behaviors & Deep Focus: Repetitive movements (stimming), strong need for routine, and developing deep, passionate knowledge in specific areas of interest.
Unique Play Patterns: In children, this may include lining up toys instead of playing with them pretendly, or having a very specific way things must be done.
It is important to remember that many of these traits can also be strengths. Deep focus can lead to expertise, honesty is a virtue, and unique perspectives drive innovation.
How Evaluation and Support Can Help
A thorough evaluation can provide clarity, whether for a child or an adult. A diagnosis is not about finding what's "wrong"; it's about understanding a unique brain and unlocking the right tools for success.
For a child, an assessment can help:
Access tailored educational and therapeutic support at school and home.
Understand sensory needs and develop coping strategies.
Build social and communication skills in a way that works for them.
For an adult, a diagnosis can be profoundly validating, explaining a lifetime of feeling different. It can help:
Reframe past struggles with self-compassion.
Develop strategies for navigating sensory, social, and executive function challenges.
Build a life that aligns with your neurotype, reducing anxiety and burnout.
Our Approach to Care
We offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment for individuals and families. Our services may include:
Diagnostic Evaluations for children and adults
Medication Management for co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD
Resource navigation and support for building a supportive team (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy)
Take the Next Step with Confidence
If you recognize these traits in your child or in yourself, you are not alone. Seeking understanding is a courageous step.
Contact Healvia Psychiatry today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you on this journey of understanding and support.