Affording an Adult Autism Assessment in Utah: Options, Self-Discovery, and Next Steps
On average, an adult autism assessment in Utah can cost anywhere from $1,500 to upwards of $4,000 out-of-pocket.
If you are unable to put out a lump sum up front, please know this: a financial pause in a formal assessment does not mean you have to put a pause on your identity.
The Validity of Self-Discovery & Self-Diagnosis
Even if you cannot afford a formal evaluation right now, you are still allowed to understand yourself because in the neurodivergent community, self-diagnosis is widely recognized, respected, and accepted as valid.
If you are in the middle of this self-discovery journey, here are practical things you can do today:
Utilize Free, Evidence-Based Screening Tools: There are many accessible, peer-reviewed self-assessments such as the RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised), the CAT-Q (Camouflaged Autism Traits Questionnaire), and the AQ (Autism Spectrum Quotient).
Click here to take our free autism screening, which combines the AQ-10 with elements of the CAT-Q.
Engage in Reflective Journaling: Begin writing about your childhood memories, sensory sensitivities, and masking behaviors. Gathering this personal data is deeply validating.
Navigating the Financial Reality & Saving Strategies
Why are adult autism assessments so expensive? Because a thorough evaluation requires hours of specialized clinical work, during which a psychologist administers adult diagnostic tools, conducts clinical interviews that look beyond your social mask, analyzes data, and writes a highly customized diagnostic profile.
If you want an affordable autism diagnosis but aren't sure how to go about it, try looking into these solutions:
1. Leverage Tax-Advantaged Accounts
If your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use these pre-tax dollars to pay for your assessment.
2. Look for Clinic-Driven Flexibility
You don't always have to pay a massive lump sum upfront. Many private clinics (including Open Door Assessments) allow patients to break the cost down into predictable monthly installments.
3. Creative Saving & Crowdfunding
The Micro-Saving Method: If you give yourself a 12-month timeline, breaking a $1,900 assessment equates to about $37 a week. You can save that much by bringing lunch with you to work two or three times every week.
Medical Necessity Crowdfunding: You can use GoFundMe and share your campaign with friends, family, and other neuroaffirming individuals who would like to donate toward your adult autism assessment.
Buy Shirts and Fidget Toys: A portion of each sale at the WovenLinks Workshop funds adult autism assessments for those who can’t afford one on their own. Click here to see if you qualify for the program.
4. Insurance Navigation & CPT Codes
Ask your health insurance provider about out-of-network neuropsychological testing benefits. Mention the following CPT codes:
96132: Psychological testing evaluation services by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional (first hour), which includes time spent with the patient performing the test.
96133: Each additional hour of administering the tests, interpreting the results, and preparing the report.
Also ask your provider if they will accept a Superbill (an itemized receipt from your clinic) for these codes, and what percentage they will reimburse you once the assessment is complete.
State-Specific and Community Resources in Utah
Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR / Vocational Rehab): If your suspected autism is actively impacting your ability to find work, maintain employment, or advance in your career, you may qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation services.
Utah Medicaid's Mental Health Carve-Outs: Finding a provider who specializes in adult autism and accepts Medicaid will require persistent calling and following up, but it would also be worth checking with your specific plan coordinator to see if an in-network referral is possible.
Support Without a Formal Diagnosis
Community & Peer Support
Utah has a growing neurodivergent community, including local meetups, online forums, and support groups for autistic adults and their families. Get started here:
SLC adults with autism Facebook group
Your Path Forward
A lack of immediate funds does not invalidate your lived experience. Your traits are real, your challenges are real, and your search for self-understanding is entirely justified.
Take things one step at a time, implement the small accommodations you can manage today, and try ways to save for an adult autism assessment that fits your budget.
If you decide that a formal evaluation is the right step for you, Open Door Assessments is here to help. We specialize in providing comprehensive, neuro-affirming adult autism evaluations across Utah through a convenient, 100% remote telehealth model.
We believe in absolute transparency, which is why we offer flat-rate pricing, structured payment options, and accept HSA/FSA funds.
If you’d like to chat about our pricing, discuss our payment options, or see if a remote assessment is the right step for you, reach out to our team today.
