Adult Autism Assessments in Calgary
Many adults seek an autism assessment after years of feeling different without fully understanding why: finding social situations exhausting, relying heavily on routines, experiencing sensory sensitivities, developing intense interests, or being “high masking”, so skilled at hiding these traits that they went unnoticed, sometimes for decades.
At Solasta, our psychologists provide comprehensive adult autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessments in Calgary, using evidence-based diagnostic tools including the ADOS-2, ADI-R and MIGDAS-2. Our assessments recognize the different ways autism can present in adulthood, including in people who were missed or misidentified earlier in life. It is one of our psychological assessments in Calgary.
A comprehensive adult autism assessment costs $3,250 and includes a detailed written report and feedback. No doctor’s referral is required, and extended health benefits may cover part or all of the cost.
Looking for an assessment for a child or teen under 18? See child autism assessments.
COST
$3,250
Fixed fee, including report and feedback
REFERRAL
Not needed
Book a free call directly
SESSIONS
2–3 sessions
About 2–3 hours each
REPORT
15-25 pages
Within 2–4 weeks of your last session
TOOLS
ADOS-2, ADI-R, MIGDAS-2
Chosen to suit you
WHO
Psychologists
Registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists
WHERE
In person
1716 16 Ave NW, Calgary
AUTISM + ADHD
Same price
Combined assessment available
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
According to the DSM-5-TR, autism spectrum disorder is characterized by persistent differences in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. In adults, this can show up as:
- Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, or with reading unspoken social rules
- Years spent masking, or consciously studying and rehearsing social behaviour
- Strong, focused interests that provide comfort or structure
- Sensory sensitivities to sound, light, texture or touch
- A need for routine, and real difficulty with unexpected change
- Exhaustion from “keeping up” socially, especially at work or in groups
- A lifelong sense of being different, without a clear explanation why
These signs don’t confirm a diagnosis on their own (that’s what the assessment is for), but they’re the most common reasons adults reach out to us.
Signs of Autism in Adults
If you recognize these characteristics in yourself, an autism assessment can offer valuable insight.
- Social differences. You understand social rules intellectually, but applying them in real time feels like translating on the fly.
- Sensory sensitivities. Sounds, textures, lights or smells others don’t notice can feel overwhelming.
- Routines and predictability. Small unexpected changes can feel disproportionately distressing.
- Intense interests. Deep, sustained interests that bring real joy.
- Communication differences. You prefer direct, literal language; writing may feel easier than speaking.
- Masking and exhaustion. Years of mimicking “normal” social behaviour, often leading to burnout and anxiety.
Autism in Women and Late-Identified Adults
Many adults, especially women, non-binary people and those who learned to mask early, were never identified as autistic in childhood. Autism can look different in these groups: quieter social differences, intense interests that seem “typical”, and a great deal of energy spent fitting in.
Our assessments use current criteria and tools designed to pick up these presentations. Read more in our guide to autism in women and girls.
What to Expect from an Adult Autism Assessment
At Solasta, autism assessments are tailored to your experiences, in a safe and non-judgemental environment. For a fuller walk-through, read what happens in an adult autism assessment.
Initial Consultation
We start with a free call to understand your history, why you’re seeking an assessment and what you hope to learn. It’s your chance to ask questions and make sure you feel comfortable. There’s no obligation.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Two to three appointments of about two to three hours each, in a relaxed, non-clinical setting. We use tools such as the ADOS-2, ADI-R and MIGDAS-2, chosen to suit you.
Report, Feedback & Next Steps
Within 2–4 weeks of your last appointment, we meet to walk through the findings in plain language and give you your 15–25 page report. If autism is identified, we explain what it means for you specifically and talk through the support available.
Assessing Autism and ADHD Together
Autism and ADHD often occur together, sometimes called AuDHD. If you’re wondering about both, we can assess them in one combined assessment, so you get a single, joined-up picture rather than two separate processes.
The combined assessment costs the same $3,250. Learn more about what AuDHD is or our adult ADHD assessments.
How Much Is an Adult Autism Assessment in Calgary?
We know cost is an important part of your decision, so we want to be upfront. A comprehensive adult autism assessment at Solasta costs $3,250. This fixed fee covers clinical interviews, standardized assessment tools, scoring, your detailed written report and your feedback session. A combined autism and ADHD assessment is the same price. See all prices on our fees page.
To put the cost in context: the public route in Alberta needs a medical referral, and waits are often more than 2–3 years. With a private assessment at Solasta, most adults can start within weeks. Depending on the outcome, some people may be eligible to apply for the Disability Tax Credit; we’re happy to discuss this on your free call.
Treatment and Support After a Diagnosis
A diagnosis is a beginning, not an endpoint. We offer ongoing support tailored to autistic adults: neurodiversity-affirming care that starts from an understanding of how your brain works. Therapy is available in person or online anywhere in Alberta.
Coping Strategies for Sensory Sensitivities
Practical strategies to reduce overwhelm at work, at home and in social settings.
Skills for Navigating Social Situations
Understanding your own communication style rather than performing neurotypicality.
Techniques for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Recognizing the early signs of autistic burnout and building sustainable rhythms.
Tools to Enhance Emotional Regulation and Communication
Support with alexithymia and intense emotional responses.
External Resources for Ongoing Support
Help finding Calgary supports, including Autism Calgary.
Why Choose Solasta for Your Adult Autism Assessment?
Expertise in Neurodiversity
Our psychologists have specific experience with autistic adults, as a genuine area of clinical focus. We understand masking, late diagnosis and the experiences of adults who spent years without answers.
Tailored Assessments
Tool selection, session structure and pace are adapted to you, including cultural context. Randi Sager offers assessments adapted for Indigenous clients.
Holistic Support
Ongoing therapy for autistic adults, from understanding your profile to accommodations, relationships and burnout. You don’t have to figure out the next steps alone.
Inclusive Environment
Our office and approach are designed for sensory sensitivities and communication differences. Take breaks, communicate in writing, or bring a support person.
Many of our clients come to us after years of not quite fitting in. An assessment doesn’t give you a new identity; it gives you a more accurate map of the one you already have.
Our Adult Autism Assessment Psychologists
Every adult autism assessment at Solasta is done by one of these psychologists. You’ll be matched with the right person on your free call.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
FAQs
How do I get an autism diagnosis as an adult in Calgary?
There are two routes. In the public system, a family doctor or psychiatrist refers you to a physician-led clinic covered by Alberta Health, and wait times are often more than 2–3 years. Privately, you can book directly with a psychologist, with no referral needed. At Solasta, most adults can start their assessment within weeks.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to get assessed for autism as an adult?
No. Private psychologist assessments, including those at Solasta, don’t require a referral from a family doctor or anyone else. You can book a free consultation call directly.
Can a psychologist diagnose autism in Alberta?
Yes. Registered psychologists in Alberta can assess and diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD). All of our assessing psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
How much does an adult autism assessment cost in Calgary?
A comprehensive adult autism assessment at Solasta costs $3,250. This is a fixed fee that includes all testing sessions, scoring, your 15–25 page written report and your feedback session. A combined autism and ADHD assessment is the same price.
Are adult autism assessments covered by Alberta Health or insurance?
Assessments by a psychologist aren’t covered by Alberta Health, but many extended health plans reimburse part or all of the cost when the assessment is done by a Registered Psychologist or Registered Provisional Psychologist. Coverage varies by plan, so check your policy before you book. Alberta Health does cover assessments through physician-led clinics, which need a medical referral and usually have long waitlists.
How long does an adult autism assessment take?
Most adult autism assessments at Solasta involve two to three appointments of about two to three hours each. Your written report and feedback session are usually ready within 2–4 weeks of your final appointment.
What happens during an adult autism assessment?
The assessment includes a clinical interview about your history and experiences, gold-standard tools such as the ADOS-2, ADI-R and MIGDAS-2, questionnaires, and information from someone who knew you as a child where available. It finishes with a feedback session where we explain the findings in plain language. The process is collaborative and non-judgmental, designed to help you feel understood, not evaluated.
What tests are used to diagnose autism in adults?
Solasta uses evidence-based diagnostic tools including the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) and the MIGDAS-2, which is designed to reduce the sensory and social demands of the assessment itself. Tools are chosen to suit you.
Do I need someone who knew me as a child?
It helps but it isn’t required. If you can, bring anything about your early development, such as old report cards, school or medical records, or notes from a parent or sibling. Many adults don’t have these, and our assessments are designed to work well from your own account, clinical interview and standardized tools.
Can autism be diagnosed in adults who were missed earlier?
Yes, and it is more common than many people realise. Many autistic adults weren’t identified in childhood because they masked their differences, because autism presented subtly, or because understanding of how autism shows up, particularly in women and non-binary people, has improved. A diagnosis as an adult is valid, meaningful and often life-changing.
What is included in the assessment report?
Your 15–25 page report includes diagnostic impressions with full clinical reasoning, a profile of your strengths and support needs, insights into executive functioning, sensory and social communication, and recommendations for workplace accommodations, academic supports and daily life. It is written to be useful to you, your employer, your doctor and any service you approach.
Can you assess autism and ADHD at the same time?
Yes. If you’re wondering about both, we can assess autism and ADHD together in one combined assessment, so you get a single, joined-up picture. The combined assessment costs the same $3,250.
Can I do an adult autism assessment online?
No. Adult autism assessments are done in person at our NW Calgary office, because parts of the assessment, like the ADOS-2, are completed face to face. Therapy after a diagnosis is available in person or online anywhere in Alberta.
Is an autism diagnosis helpful for adults?
For most people, yes. A diagnosis gives a framework for experiences that may have felt confusing or exhausting for years. It can open access to workplace accommodations under the Alberta Human Rights Act, academic supports and autism-specific community supports, and some people may be eligible to apply for the Disability Tax Credit. Many clients describe finally having an explanation as deeply validating.
Take the First Step Toward Understanding Yourself
Our adult autism assessments give you a thorough, individualized understanding of whether autism best explains your experiences. Start with a free, no-obligation consultation call.
Our Calgary Office Space
Our counselling spaces are designed to be warm, calm and comfortable. 1716 16 Ave NW, opposite North Hill Centre, with free 90-minute parking.
Reviewed by Scott McKirdy, Registered Psychologist · Last updated October 2026