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Rao Psychiatry
Thoughtful Care. Personalized for you.
Autism, Developmental Differences & Neurodivergence Evaluation in Dallas
Understanding the whole developmental picture, at any age.
Development doesn't follow the same path for everyone. Differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, flexibility, and emotional regulation can appear early in childhood or emerge subtly, years later. In children, Dr. Rao evaluates the full developmental trajectory — language, play, relationships, learning, sensory experience, and functioning at home and school — since autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning or language disorders frequently overlap and complicate the picture. Adults often seek evaluation after a lifetime of feeling socially out of step, relying on routines, or masking differences well enough to succeed professionally while struggling in relationships or daily life. For some, the question first arises after a child or family member is diagnosed. Looking back across childhood, school, and relationships can help clarify whether neurodevelopmental differences explain difficulties previously understood as anxiety, depression, or simply 'being different.'
Can adults be evaluated for autism, or is this just for children?
Both. Dr. Rao evaluates children and adults, including adults who have spent years masking differences that affected relationships or daily life more than work.
My child's evaluation is complicated because other things seem to be going on too. Is that normal?
Very. ADHD, anxiety, learning and language disorders, and other developmental conditions frequently overlap with autism and can complicate the picture.
What does a developmental evaluation actually look at?
The full trajectory — language and play, relationships, learning, sensory experiences, repetitive behaviors, adaptability, attention, and functioning at home and school.
My child was recently diagnosed and now I wonder about myself. Is that common?
Yes. Many adults first consider evaluation after a child or family member is diagnosed, then look back at their own history for a clearer explanation.