Neuroaffirming assessments
If your high sensitivity is getting in the way of your happiness, maybe there is something deeper to explore. A neuroaffirming evaluation screens for potential differences in your nervous system like Autism or ADHD.
With the rise of information around the autism spectrum, more people than ever are curious about their own neurotype. Many places that screen for Autism are only giving you a small slice of the big picture. When screening for autism, they use very narrow evaluation criteria and simply ask yes or no. This doesn’t leave room for any more information.
My training in neuroaffirming evaluation is complex and invites us to look at a bigger picture together. When evaluating, I will be looking at both Autism and ADHD, as well as language, communication, social pragmatics, emotional responsiveness, sensory sensitivities, and more. Of course, I will take your trauma history into account and consider what masking strategies you may have amassed throughout your life.
Why pursue diagnosis as an adult?
Understand the narrative of your life in a new way!
Connect with a community of others - you’re not as alone as you think!
Get access to a whole new world of support.
Potential for accommodations at work, school, or in continuing education
Stop forcing yourself to fit into broken systems that are causing you distress.
Design a life that accommodates your strengths.
frequently asked questions
Are therapists allowed to assess for and diagnosis ADHD and autism?
With the appropriate training, absolutely!
Statute defines assessing and appraising for mental health counselors:
(16) assessing and appraising, in compliance with §681.43 of this title (relating to Testing), which utilizes formal and informal instruments and procedures, for which the counselor has received appropriate training and supervision, in individual and group settings for the purposes of determining the client’s strengths and weaknesses, mental status, emotional stability, intellectual ability, interests, aptitudes, achievement level and other characteristics for diagnosing mental health disorders; but does not permit the diagnosis of a physical condition or physical disorder.
Where did you get your training?
I was trained over six months to use a broad band of assessments at the MindfulU Institute through a series of lectures, live coaching calls, 1:1 learning, group learning, practice testing and mentorship by testing psychologists.
What tests will you use?
I have been trained in the following assessments. Each evaluation process is unique and I will use the tests that are the most appropriate for the situation.
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-4th Edition (WAIS-IV)
Developmental Profile, 4th Edition (DP-4)
Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement-3rd Edition (KTEA-3)
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-4th Edition (WIAT-4)
Wide Range Achievement Test-4th Edition (WRAT-4)
Koppitz Developmental Scoring System for the Bender Gestalt Test-2nd Edition (Koppitz-2)
Test of Auditory Processing, 4th Edition (TAPS-4)
Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS)
Behavior Assessment System for Children-3rd Edition (BASC-3)
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd Edition (Vineland-3)
Vanderbilt Assessment Scales (Vanderbilt)
Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2nd Edition (MMPI-2)
Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)
Sensory Profile-2nd Edition (Sensory Profile-2)
Connors, 4th Edition
Delis Rating of Executive Functions (D-REF)
Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales (Brown EF/A)
Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults-5th Edition (DIVA-5)
The Comprehensive Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, 3rd Edition
Purpose in Life Test
Prodrome Questionnaire
Clinical Assessment of Pragmatics (CAPs)
Social Responsiveness Scale-2nd Edition (SRS-2)
Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised
Adult Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2nd Edition (RBQ-2A)
Online Alexithymia Questionnaire (OAQ-G2)
Empathy Quotient (EQ)
Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R)
Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd Edition (CARS-2)
Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, 2nd Edition (MIGDAS-2)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2)
That seems like a lot. Do I have to take all of these tests?
No. I will pick 7-8 assessment tools for your evaluation based on our initial interview. Some of these are for you to fill out in your own time and some of them require an interview with me. I try to balance the assessment being thorough for you without being overwhelming.
We start with an intake – here I learn about your medical, social, and family history. From there, I will pick the assessments that seem the most appropriate. I will send you emails with links to 3-4 quantitative assessments for you to fill out on your own. I will also need the contact information of someone who is close to you as a secondary reporter. This person will fill out 1-2 assessments on your behalf. We will set up an additional 1-2 face to face sessions where will conduct an interview type of assessment. Next I will take all of the information and write a detailed report for you, including an explanation of the testing process, your diagnosis, strengths and vulnerabilities, scoring information, recommendations for improved quality of life, and a comprehensive overview of the data collected during your evaluation.
What is the process like?
What is the cost?
I charge $1000 for an assessment. I take a $500 deposit and collect the last $500 in one or two payments prior to meeting you with your final report.
The process requires several hours of my time and expertise. I also pay for access to the instruments used in testing. Your fee covers the costs of test administration, plus 5-6 hours of my time for interviewing, testing, scoring, and report writing.
How can holistic therapy help with autism and ADHD?
My blend of therapy includes a range of modalities helpful for highly sensitive people. I use this as an umbrella term to encompass HSPs, those with autism or adhd, those with complex trauma, and any combination of these things.
My methods include Somatic Experiencing for nervous system regulation, mindfulness for inattention/ scattered thinking/ dissociation, supplementation and nutrition coaching, and trauma therapy. These methods blend together to help all neurotypes feel at home in their bodies, increase capacity for distress tolerance and bring more peace into your daily life.