SCIENCEWORKS
BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE
Edited and reviewed:
June 10, 2026
Reviewed by:
Complete Care for all Neurotypes
Therapy | Assessments | Coaching
ADULT AUTISM ASSESSMENT
High-Masking Adult Autism Assessment in Tennessee
Affirming autism assessment for high-masking adults who have spent a lifetime camouflaging — answers and support, by secure telehealth in Tennessee.
You pass as fine, then crash from the effort
IS AN AUTISM ASSESSMENT FOR YOU?
What an autism assessment offers you
An autism evaluation designed to see through years of masking
Secure telehealth sessions with Dr. Kelly, a clinical psychologist who knows adult autism
Affirming written feedback you can use for support or accommodations
Licensed Providers
Telehealth Nationwide*
Neuro-affirming
Private & Secure
WHAT MASKING HIDES
What high-masking autism is, and why it gets missed
Masking, or camouflaging, is the effort of consciously hiding autistic traits to fit in — rehearsing conversations, copying other people’s expressions, suppressing stims, and pushing through sensory discomfort. Many autistic adults have done it so well, for so long, that no one around them, sometimes including past clinicians, ever suspected autism.
That same skill is exactly why high-masking adults are missed by checklists built around how autism looks in children. A good adult assessment is designed to see underneath the mask — exploring your inner experience and lifelong history, not just outward behavior — using structured, neurodivergent-affirming tools. The result is an accurate understanding, and language for what you have always sensed.
KEY STATISTICS ABOUT ADULT AUTISM
1 in 45
U.S. adults are estimated to be autistic
Source:
3.4×
more boys than girls are identified as autistic
Source:
1 in 31
of 8-year-olds are now identified as autistic
Source:
WHAT TO EXPECT
Low-pressure to start, affirming throughout
1
Free 15-minute consult.
We learn what you’re hoping to understand — at your pace, no pressure.
2
3
An in-depth assessment by secure video, then clear, usable written results.
Dr. Kelly, experienced in high-masking adult autism, completes your assessment.
Your assessment with Dr. Kelly.
Assessment and affirming feedback.
Payment options
As a specialty practice, we're out-of-network so we can offer the most effective, customized services.
Our payment options are transparent and flexible:
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Self-Pay: All major credit cards; FSA/HSA eligible
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Payment Plans: 6-months interest-free for approved clients via CareCredit
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Superbills Provided
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Out-of-Network: Up to 90% reimbursement for qualifying plans
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
Your autism assessment, completed by Dr. Kiesa Kelly
Dr. Kiesa Kelly, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in ADHD and autism, completes your autism assessment herself, entirely by secure telehealth, with experience in high-masking presentations in adults. She sees clients across Tennessee and in other PSYPACT states (the 42 states and DC that let psychologists see clients by telehealth across state lines).
Dr. Kiesa Kelly (she/her)
Owner & Psychologist
Ryan Burns (he/him)
Practice Director
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE SCIENCEWORKS
Affirming, in-depth, built for maskers
Because we’re independent and out-of-network, we can take the time a high-masking assessment really needs — not a rushed, capped visit.
Dr. Kelly is trained to recognize autism that has been masked for years, using affirming methods — not outdated, child-focused checklists.
Care is fully telehealth and neurodivergent-affirming, so you can be assessed from a calm, familiar space anywhere in Tennessee.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions
Can I be autistic if I’ve masked my whole life?
Yes. Masking hides autistic traits from other people; it doesn’t make you any less autistic. In fact, years of effortful camouflaging — and the burnout that often follows — are common reasons high-masking adults seek an assessment in the first place.
Can I be assessed if I’m outside Tennessee?
Yes, if you’ll be in another PSYPACT state during sessions: Dr. Kiesa Kelly completes your autism assessment herself, entirely by secure telehealth. You take part from your own calm, familiar space.
What does an autism diagnosis actually give me?
Clarity, mostly — an accurate understanding of yourself, language for your experiences, and a basis for self-advocacy, accommodations, and affirming support. We review fees and any out-of-network reimbursement before you commit.
*Therapy and assessments available in the following states (coaching available worldwide):
Work with us locally:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY
2603 Elm Hill Pike, Suite C
Nashville, TN 37214
Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for mental health diagnosis or treatment. Reading this page does not create a therapist–client relationship with ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare. If you are in crisis or may be at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call/text 988 (U.S.). Additional emergency support can be found here: Emergency Resources.