DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS FOR ADULT ADHD AND AUTISM

Autism and ADHD presentation and experience can vary greatly from person to person, making it difficult to trust your own perceptions when self-diagnosing. Assessments can be helpful for individuals who are questioning, have been told they may be autistic or ADHD, or have a family history of neurodivergence. The benefits of seeking a formal neurodivergent diagnosis as an adult can include:

- Confirmation or disconfirmation of your self-perceptions
- Making sense of yourself as you realize there are explanations for your experiences and struggles
- Unlocking of self-understanding and self-compassion
- Discovering your needs and your place in the world
- Finding belonging in a neurodivergent community where people really get you
- Clarification of co-occurring conditions like PTSD, anxiety
- The ability to access neurodivergent specific interventions and therapies
- The ability to advocate for workplace or medical accommodations
- Allowing the people who love and care for you to do so more effectively

Precautions to note when getting a formal diagnosis:

- If you are using insurance, your diagnosis may become a part of your medical record
- Some states require you to be listed onto an autism registry, if diagnosed. Washington State is currently not one of them.
- If you are seeking a diagnosis for the purpose of receiving state disability, you will need to be assessed by a licensed psychologist (PhD or PsyD). You can find a referral list to such providers on my Resource page under ADHD and Autism neuropsychological testing.
- An assessment does not guarantee a diagnosis and a diagnosis does not guarantee any accommodations. If you are seeking workplace accommodations, please verify with the organization what they require for access.

It is your decision whether or not to get formally diagnosed as well as whether or not to disclose your diagnosis.

A formal assessment utilizes standardized tests, self-report questionnaires, a clinical interview, and if desired, a collateral interview with current partner, to determine whether someone meets criteria for ADHD or autism according to the DSM-5. Included in the comprehensive evaluation is also a complete family, developmental, social, and medical history.

Formal assessment process (held in-person on a Saturday, with some flexibility if Saturdays do not work):
Step 1: Initial consultation to explain the process, assess needs and desired use of diagnosis (30 min)
Step 2: Completion of online Self-Assessments (RAADS-R, AQ, ASRS-5, CAT-Q, MQ) (40 min)
Step 3: Clinical Interview and completion of Sensory Profile and Brown ADD Scale (3 - 4 hours)
Step 4: Feedback session along with full report of test results and personalized list of resources and referrals (1 hour)

Complete cost: $1800
$300 non-refundable deposit due at time of booking. $1500 balance due at time of service.
I can provide a superbill for you to submit to insurance. Please check with your insurance provider to find out if you have out-of-network coverage for psychological testing. Most insurance plans will reimburse a portion of the testing.

For a shorter, informal assessment for diagnostic confirmation, please refer to CONSULTATION page.

Neurodivergence is vast. Understanding all the ways your brain wiring differs from others and impacts your life can be eye-opening and liberating. There can also be grief from not having known sooner. Individual sessions can be provided to help you process and integrate your new diagnosis.

Assessments are available for Washington State residents only or for those willing to travel to WA for the assessment.