Autism Spectrum

A different way of experiencing the world — not a disorder to be fixed.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences the world, processes information, communicates, and relates to others.
It’s not a disease. It’s a divergent wiring of the brain.

At TPC, we support autistic individuals of all ages — especially those who were missed in childhood, misdiagnosed, or masked their symptoms for years.

How Autism Can Present

Autism doesn’t look one way. It may show up as:

  • Sensory sensitivities (to sound, texture, light, smell)
  • Intense interests or hyperfocus
  • Difficulty with social communication or interpreting cues
  • Repetitive movements or routines
  • Need for structure or sameness
  • Deep empathy but difficulty expressing it conventionally
  • Shutdowns or meltdowns when overstimulated

Autism may be hidden by masking — especially in women, people of color, and high-IQ individuals.

How Autism Presents in Different Populations

Children

  • Delayed speech or highly advanced vocabulary
  • Difficulty with transitions or unstructured play
  • Lining up toys or flapping hands
  • Strong interests (e.g., dinosaurs, maps, schedules)

Teens

  • Social isolation or being “too intense”
  • Emotional overwhelm and burnout
  • Gender exploration or neurodivergent identity questions

Adults

  • Lifelong social difficulty, sensory overwhelm, or fatigue
  • Misdiagnosis with anxiety, depression, or BPD
  • Realization after an autistic child is diagnosed

Women & AFAB Individuals

  • High masking, people-pleasing, and emotional burnout
  • Often misdiagnosed for years
  • Struggle with perfectionism, rejection, and identity

Our Autism-Affirming Approach

We meet patients where they are — no pressure to “pass” or conform:

  • Full diagnostic clarity for those seeking understanding or missed diagnoses
  • Support for burnout, sensory overload, and mental health needs
  • Psychiatric care tailored to neurodivergent profiles
  • Therapy for unmasking, identity support, or trauma recovery
  • Caregiver guidance and coordination with school or work teams
  • Recognition of co-occurring ADHD, anxiety, OCD, or mood disorders

We believe autism is a valid identity — not a problem to solve.

FAQs – Autism

  • Do you “treat” autism?
    No. Autism doesn’t need to be treated. We treat distress — like anxiety, depression, or burnout — and offer support tools.
  • Do you diagnose autism in adults?
    Yes. We provide comprehensive evaluations for adults, teens, and children — especially for those who have been overlooked.
  • Do you work with parents or schools?
    Absolutely. We help coordinate services, accommodations, and language for IEP or 504 plans.
  • Is there a test for autism?
    Diagnosis is based on interviews, observation, developmental history, and screening tools. We refer out for formal testing if needed.

✅ You Deserve Care That Respects Who You Are

📞 Call Us: (478) 745-9206
📍 3100 Ridge Ave, Macon, GA
🗓 Appointments within 1–2 weeks

Schedule a Psychiatric Evaluation →
Explore Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy →
View All Conditions →