Autism Diagnosis & Community Resources

1. Top Specialized Medical Centers (In-Person & Hybrid)

These centers are often affiliated with major universities and provide the "gold standard" of comprehensive clinical evaluations and integrated therapy.

• Center for Autism & the Developing Brain (CADB) (New York): A partnership between NewYork-Presbyterian, Columbia, and Weill Cornell. They provide lifespan care, meaning they have dedicated tracks for adults needing diagnosis and support.

• Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS) (New Jersey): One of the few centers in the U.S. specifically built around the needs of adults. They offer vocational support, psychological services, and community integration.¹

• The Lieber Recovery Clinic (NYC): Part of Columbia Psychiatry, they specialize in "High Functioning Autism" (Level 1) and ADHD, focusing on executive functioning and independent living skills.

• The Neurodiversity Clinic at Vanderbilt (Tennessee): Renowned for their research and clinical work with neurodivergent adults, offering both diagnostic assessments and tailored therapy.

2. Virtual Diagnostic & Therapy Services

For many adults, telehealth is more accessible and less sensory-overwhelming than a hospital visit.

• Prosper Health: A leader in neuro-affirming adult autism care. They offer telehealth diagnostic assessments that are often covered by insurance and follow up with specialized therapy for autistic adults.

• GRASP (Global Regional Asperger Action Network): An autistic-led organization that provides virtual assessments specifically designed to be affordable.² They offer "Brief Reports" for self-understanding and "Full Reports" for legal/workplace accommodations.

• Embrace Autism: Founded by autistic clinicians, this site is a massive resource for self-screening and offers remote diagnostic services with a focus on a "strength-based" approach.

3. Support & Therapy Directories

If you prefer a private therapist rather than a large clinic, these directories are the best way to find a provider who "gets it."

• ND Therapists: A directory where you can specifically find therapists who identify as neurodivergent themselves.

• AANE (Association for Autism and Neurodiversity): They maintain a vetted list of professionals and also host online support groups specifically for autistic adults and late-diagnosed individuals.

• Autism Speaks Resource Guide: While often focused on children, their database is vast and can be filtered by "Adult Services" to find local therapy and diagnostic providers.

Summary of Service Types

ONLINE COMMUNITY

Online communities are often the most accessible way to find "your people" without the sensory or social drain of in-person meetups. For many, these spaces are where they first learn to unmask and realize that their "weird" traits are actually shared cultural norms within the neurodivergent community.

Here are the top virtual and online resources for 2026:

1. Peer Support & Identity Building

These spaces are specifically designed for people navigating life after a late diagnosis or self-identification.

• The Late Diagnosis Club: A membership community that focuses on "identity shock"—the grief and relief that comes with discovering you are autistic as an adult. They host weekly meetings and book clubs.

• ADDA Virtual Peer Support: If you are juggling ADHD as well, ADDA has incredibly specific groups, including "Women 50+," "Queer/Non-Binary ADHDers," and "Body Doubling" sessions where you work silently alongside others to beat task paralysis.

• AANE Discussion Forums & Groups: They offer one-session and multi-session groups for various life stages (e.g., Adults over 50, Neurodiverse Couples).

2. Social & Digital "Hangouts"

If you aren't looking for "therapy" but just want to talk about your special interests or meet people who share your brain type.

• Autistic Adults NYC Discord: While based in NYC, their Discord community is huge and welcomes people from everywhere. It’s a low-pressure way to chat about anything from art to tech.

• Kaboose App: A community-driven app specifically for neurodivergent individuals to find friends and groups based on shared interests.

• National Autistic Society Online Community: One of the oldest and largest moderated forums where you can ask questions and share stories 24/7.

3. Virtual Group Therapy & "Skills" Coaching

These are more structured and usually led by a professional, focusing on building sustainable systems for your life.

• Open Doors Therapy: They run online "skills groups" that focus on social confidence and self-advocacy rather than "social skills training" (which often encourages masking).

• Embodied Life Therapy Center (ELTC): Specifically offers a "Neurodivergent Community Group" for late-identified adults, focusing on healing from burnout and authentic living.

• Charlie Health: Offers a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that includes curated groups for neurodivergent people who need more support than just a once-a-week therapy session.

4. Major Virtual Events (2026)

Conferences are a great way to "lurk" and learn from experts and advocates without having to participate socially.

• AuSM 2026 Virtual Autism Conference (April 15-16, 2026): Moving to a fully virtual format this year to be more accessible and affordable.

• AANE Spring 2026 Virtual Jody Acford Conference: Focuses on the practical side of being an autistic adult, including benefits, services, and community-building.

Quick Comparison: Which should you choose?