Neurodivergent-Affirming Evaluation Process for Adults
I strive to offer autism, ADHD, and combined evaluations that are neurodivergent-affirming and non-pathologizing. Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes the natural variation in the human brain and acknowledges that there is no one "right" way for someone to think, feel, or experience the world. However, many practitioners who conduct evaluations for ADHD and/or autism do so within the medical model, which has a tendency to conceptualize naturally occurring human differences as "abnormal" conditions to be solved or corrected. By contrast, my evaluations are designed to be affirming and accepting of your brain differences, while not minimizing the struggles they might cause. Together we will explore who you are, how you think and process the world, and how you feel about this—including both what you find difficult, and what you find rewarding. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I'm also committed to providing all of my services, including the autism/ADHD evaluation process, in a way that is grounded in an intersectional framework. This means I acknowledge that your lived experience is continuously impacted by a variety of identity categories such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic location, and many, many more. As a practitioner, I strive to be sensitive to these nuances and informed about them—but above all, I position myself as a learner when it comes to you. Each individual comes to me with a unique set of experiences, strengths, challenges, and needs—which they understand far better than I do—and I strive to provide evaluations that are comprehensive and accurate, while also honoring the unique qualities that make you you.
Evaluation Process
1 / Initial Consultation
We communicate by phone, email, or telehealth platform to help us determine whether pursuing an evaluation with me meets your needs at the current time. If we decide it doesn't, and you'd like to pursue alternate avenues, I provide referrals.
2 / Self-Assessment and Data Collection
I provide various written assessments you complete independently, and gather any additional information or written records you want to provide for consideration (e.g. past psychological evaluations, therapy records, information from childhood, and more).
3 / Structured Clinical Interview
We meet in person or over videochat and go through an evidence-based structured clinical interview. I take notes on your responses and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions about the process in real time.
The autism interview takes approximately 3 hours and is usually completed in 1-2 visits.
The ADHD interview takes approximately 1.5 hours and can generally be done in one visit.
4 / Collateral Information and Perspectives
Together, we determine whether there are others whose perspectives may be useful in providing a comprehensive view of you (e.g. family members, close friends, partners, other providers). If there are, with your permission, I elicit their perspectives via a questionnaire and/or brief interview.
5 / Feedback Session and Processing
After all the clinical information has been collected, I review everything and compile results into a Google Slideshow, which we meet to review. During this meeting, you'll have a chance to ask questions, process the results, and give feedback about your experience. The Slideshow, which includes a list of resources and recommendations, is yours to keep, and serves as a report of your evaluation findings.
6/ Letter and DocumentationYou will also receive a letter with the "high-level" findings of this assessment process, which may be useful for submitting for accommodations or documentation. While I used to provide comprehensive written assessments, I have found that for most clients' purposes, the abbreviated assessment and letter are adequate, so I no longer routinely offer comprehensive reports.
NOTE: At the current time, I have a 6-12 month waitlist for assessment. If you'd like to be added to my waitlist, please fill out this HIPAA compliant form .
6/ Letter and Documentation You will also receive a letter with the "high-level" findings of this assessment process, which may be useful for submitting for accommodations or documentation. While I used to provide comprehensive written assessments, I have found that for most clients' purposes, the abbreviated assessment and letter are adequate, so I no longer routinely offer comprehensive reports.
Financial Investment
Financial Investment and Equitable Pricing
I use an equitable pricing model for assessments, meaning that you will self-select a pricing tier that best reflects your ability to pay. Three tiers are available:
inclusive (allows those with greater access to resources to "pay it forward" to others)
sustainable (intended for those with average access to resources)
accessible (allows those with less access to resources to access community wealth as a form of mutual aid)
These guidelines are intended to help you self-select the fairest option.
Financial Investment
Payment for all assessment packages is collected via a HIPAA compliant payment portal, generally in two installments: one when we schedule your assessment sessions, and one on the day of your final feedback session.
1
Autism Assessment Pricing Tiers
Inclusive Price
$1050
Sustainable Price
$900
Accessible Price
$750
2
ADHD Assessment Pricing Tiers
Inclusive Price
$800
Sustainable Price
$675
Accessible Price
$550
3
Combined Assessment Pricing Tiers
Inclusive Price
$1400
Sustainable Price
$1200
Accessible Price
$1000