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Autism & ADHD Assessments

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My Approach

I believe Autism and ADHD are neurotypes. This means they are naturally occurring differences in the way our brain and nervous system receive and process information. I do not view these neurotypes as a deficit, disorder, or something to be cured. You will find an affirming and accomodating assessment experience with me. My goal is to help you understand yourself better and begin living a life that makes sense and supports your needs.

 

The Assessment Steps:

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  1. Complete a consultation call and schedule your first appointment

  2. Complete the intake paperwork, online measures, and collect outside feedback from trusted sources

  3. Attend your assessment appointments where you will be asked thorough questions about experiences throughout your life

  4. Receive a diagnosis letter and (if you choose) schedule a feedback session​

Is an assessment right for you?

You might be a good fit for an Autism or ADHD assessment with me if:

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  • You are an adult living in Tennessee

  • You have already self-identified as Autistic or ADHD and you are seeking clarity and confirmation from a professional

  • You, or others in your life, have suspected you might be Autistic or ADHD​, but you are not sure

  • You relate to aspects of Autism or ADHD, yet have doubts and questions

  • You are only seeking clarification on Autism or ADHD and not to be assessed for mental health, other neurodevelopmenal, or learning conditions

  • This assessment is not being used in a disability benefits case

  • You either are not seeking accomodations through an institution, or you have varified that a diagnosis given by a masters-level clinician will be accepted by the designated institution (i.e. school, employer, healthcare professional)

  • In the case of seeking ADHD medication, your Psychiatrist accepts a diagnosis by a masters-level clinician

What are the risks and benefits?

Potential benefits include:

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  • Validation, answers, and relief

  • Diagnostic clarity

  • Appropriate treatment recommendations

  • Insight into your strengths and challenges

  • Documentation to support accomodations at work, school, or other settings

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Potential risks or drawbacks include:

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  • Cost and time commitment

  • Stigma and discrimination that comes with certain diagnoses

  • Distress or discomfort during and following the assessment process

  • Experiencing waves of emotion, including grief after receiving the results

  • Results and recommendations may not align with what you expected or hoped

  • Only being assessed for Autism or ADHD and not for mental health, other neurodevelopmenal, or learning conditions

What are my credentials and limitations?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Tennessee​. I have received specialized training and education in conducting Neurodivergent-affirming Autism and ADHD assessments for adults. 

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As a masters-level clinician, it is within my scope of practice to assess for conditions found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). This does not mean that all institutions accept a diagnosis given by a masters-level clinician, particularly for Autism. In some cases, such as schools, insurance companies, and Social Security Disability, you may need to be assessed by a doctorate-level clinician. If you plan to share the outcome of your assessment with an institution such as work, school, or insurance, please confirm what they require. Being assessed by a masters-level clinician is appropriate in cases where you are seeking personal understanding or have confirmation that the assessment will be accepted by relevant institutions.

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It is possible the assessment will not answer all of your questions or may produce a different result than you were expecting. In cases where I am not clear on the results or other factors are present, such as certain neurodevelopmental disorders or medical conditions, further testing may be needed. I may need to refer you to a medical professional or testing psychologist.

What is the assessment process?

The assessment process may take place over several appointments and be several hours long. While I give an estimate of how long the assessment can take, it may take less or more time depending on your individual case. For an Autism assessment, the minimum expectation is four to five 50-minute sessions. For an ADHD assessment, the minimum expectation is three to four 50-minute sessions. These can be scheduled in one or two hour appointments.

 

Before your first appointment, you will be asked to complete a list of screenings and forms. This portion of the assessment may take a considerable amount of time to complete and it is recommended to have help from someone who knows you very well like a family member or spouse. Once these screenings and forms are complete, we will meet over video or in person for the interview portion of the assessment. I will ask many questions to learn about your experiences and history. Once I have the information needed, I will review all of the data and conclude the results. Your assessment includes a letter explaining the diagnosis given (if applicable). It is recommended, though not required, to have a feedback session to review these results together. You may also choose to have a written summary of your assessment along with the letter.

 

The results will be ready within two to four weeks after the assessment is finished. A letter will be ready at this time and a feedback session may be scheduled. If you choose, the feedback session will cover the results, an explanation of the results, resources and recommendations, and any questions you may have. If you choose to have a written summary, this will require more time to prepare. Should you need or want more support after the assessment, we can discuss beginning therapy services or a referral for other therapeutic support.

What are the fees?

  • Assessment Sessions: $170 per each 50-minute appointment

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  • Included in the Assessment:

    • Review of all at-home tests, collatoral information, and information from clinical interview

    • Diagnosis letter outlining your results and recommendations

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  • Optional Services:

    • Feedback Session: $140 per 50-minute appointment​

    • Follow-up Therapy Sessions (to process results, understand your sensory system, and/or identify needed accomodations): $140 per 50-minute appointment

    • Detailed Summary Report: $140

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Payment is due at the time of your appointment. I do not accept insurance, and as an adult, insurance companies will likely not reimburse for these assessments. If you would like to try seeking out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company, you are encouraged to speak with them directly. Please be aware that using insurance benefits will place a diagnosis on your medical records.

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