Autism Diagnostic
Support Guidance Connection
Resources For Unique Needs
Connecting Young Adults with the Right Specialized Support
Finding the right professional, assessment, or specialized service can be difficult, especially when families are already managing the many changes that come with adulthood. Knowing which type of evaluation may be appropriate, where to find qualified providers, and what to do after receiving recommendations can create another layer of uncertainty.
Unlocking Gems helps young adults and families identify and connect with appropriate specialized resources based on their individual needs and goals. This may include guidance around autism diagnostic testing, autism aptitude testing, behavioral services, and other professional resources.
We do not replace licensed clinicians or provide clinical diagnoses. Instead, we help families understand their options and navigate the referral process so they can connect with qualified professionals for services outside our scope.
Specialized Resource Guidance
Finding Resources That
Match Their Needs
Every young adult has different strengths and areas where additional support may be useful. A referral should therefore be based on the individual rather than simply choosing the first available provider.
We help families consider what they are looking for and connect them with appropriate resources when available. This can make the process of researching specialized support more organized and less overwhelming.
Depending on the circumstances, families may be exploring assessments, behavioral services, educational resources, vocational support, or other professional services.
Autism Diagnostic Testing
Understanding When an
Evaluation May Be Helpful
Families may seek autism diagnostic testing for different reasons. Some may be looking for clarification around a young adult’s developmental history, while others may need professional documentation or a more complete understanding of their needs.
Diagnostic evaluations should be completed by qualified professionals who are trained to conduct and interpret the appropriate assessments. Unlocking Gems does not diagnose autism or conduct clinical diagnostic testing.
We can, however, help families explore appropriate referral options when they are seeking an evaluation. We encourage families to ask prospective providers about their qualifications, assessment process, experience, and what information they will need before scheduling an appointment.
Aptitude & Strengths
Learning More About
Their Abilities
Understanding a young adult’s strengths can be useful when planning education, employment, and future goals. Families may consider autism aptitude testing or other appropriate assessments to gain additional information about abilities, interests, skills, or areas for development.
The type of assessment that is appropriate depends on the individual and the question the family is trying to answer. A qualified professional can determine which assessment tools are suitable and explain what the results mean.
Our role is to help families identify resources and referral options that may support their goals. We can also help connect the information gained through specialized services with the broader personal, vocational, and life-skills goals being explored through Unlocking Gems.
ABA Therapy Referrals
Helping Families Explore
Behavioral Support Options
Families may also be looking for behavioral support as their young adult develops new skills or works through particular challenges. When appropriate, Unlocking Gems can provide ABA therapy referrals to help families identify potential providers and explore available options.
Applied Behavior Analysis is a professional service that should be provided by appropriately qualified professionals. Unlocking Gems does not provide ABA therapy or make clinical treatment recommendations.
Families considering ABA or another behavioral service should speak directly with qualified providers about whether the approach is appropriate for their young adult, what services are offered, and how treatment decisions are made.
A Personalized Approach
Referrals Based on the Person,
Not a Checklist
A referral is most useful when it connects a person with support that actually relates to their circumstances. That is why we take time to understand what the young adult and family are looking for before exploring possible resources.
Some families may need help identifying an assessment. Others may be searching for behavioral support, vocational resources, or a professional with experience working with autistic young adults.
Our autism support services are designed around individual goals and circumstances. We do not assume that one referral or one type of service will work for everyone.
Instead, we help families explore appropriate options and make informed decisions about which resources they would like to pursue.
Connecting The Pieces
Specialized Support Can
Complement Other Services
Testing and referrals are often one part of a much larger picture. Information from an evaluation or support from another professional may complement the goals a young adult is already working toward.
For example, a participant may receive a specialized evaluation while also developing independent living skills, exploring employment, working with a coach, or participating in community activities.
Unlocking Gems offers additional services including:
Case Management & Advocacy
Individual & Parental Coaching
Functional Life Skills
Personal Growth & Community
Vocational Readiness
FAQ’s
Answers To Help You
Understand Our Support
Find helpful information about our program, services, eligibility,
and how Unlocking Gems supports young adults and families.
Does Unlocking Gems provide autism diagnostic testing?
Unlocking Gems does not conduct autism diagnostic testing or provide clinical diagnoses. We can help families explore appropriate referral options and connect with qualified professionals who provide diagnostic evaluations.
What is autism aptitude testing?
Autism aptitude testing may refer to assessments used to better understand a person’s abilities, skills, interests, or areas of strength. The appropriate assessment depends on the individual and the purpose of the evaluation.
Can Unlocking Gems provide ABA therapy referrals?
Yes. When appropriate, Unlocking Gems can help families explore ABA therapy referrals and identify potential behavioral service providers. ABA therapy itself is provided by qualified professionals outside of Unlocking Gems.
How can specialized referrals help my young adult?
Specialized referrals can connect families with professionals who provide assessments, behavioral services, vocational resources, or other forms of support.
Does Unlocking Gems charge for its services?
No. The Unlocking Gems program is provided at no cost to participants. Services are supported through grants, donations, and fundraising efforts that help make the program available to families.
Get Connected
Ready To Find the Right Resource?
You do not have to search through every option on your own. If you are unsure where to begin with testing, referrals, or specialized support, Unlocking Gems can help you explore the next appropriate step.
