Autism & ADHD Evaluations
Autism
Many individuals seek neuropsychological testing to determine if they may be autistic. This comprehensive evaluation can be expensive and exhausting, and it is not required to make a diagnosis, unless there are concerns regarding intellectual impairment.
Our psychologists utilize a neurodiverse-affirming approach to these evaluations with children, adolescents and adults.
It is never too late to seek a diagnosis of autism. In fact, many of our clients have reported that this increased self-awareness allows for highlighting strengths and assisting with navigating challenges.
Young adults may use this self-knowledge to improve their college experience by:
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Choosing a single room to decrease social and sensory demands and to ensure a safe haven.
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Taking classes part-time (to account for executive functioning/organizational challenges).
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Possibly living at home (to minimize the number of changes to adjust to all at once).
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Joining interest-based groups (so that socializing has a purpose).
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Choosing careers that match interests and abilities.
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Requesting reasonable accommodations at school and/or at work.
In middle adulthood, individuals may use the information to:
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Do a life review, understand why careers and relationships have or have not been successful.
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Improve on relationships or pursue better matches.
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Ask for accommodations at work, or to pursue work that is more fitting.
In late adulthood, individuals may use the information to:
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Do a life review.
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Renew and/or repair relationships affected by Autism.
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Customize their environment in order to be comfortable and accommodating to the strengths and challenges of Autism.
Most insurance will cover evaluations for children and adolescents without issue, as long as there is an appropriate referral, outline symptoms and how they are affecting daily functioning, more often than not. If you are interested in an Adult Autism evaluation, please call or email our office for a screening.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is also part of the neurodivergent world and is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning symptoms must have started in childhood. Sometimes symptoms do not interfere with functioning until demands exceed ability to focus and/or pay attention. For adults, many times attentional concerns are present or worsening, this is due to underlying psychological dysfunction, such as mood, anxiety, or trauma. A comprehensive evaluation assesses full neuropsychological functioning in addition to psychological functioning, to determine what role, if any, each plays in reported symptoms. While there are no specific tests to diagnose ADHD, oftentimes a full evaluation is required by prescribers in order to obtain medication. What further complicates evaluations is the fact that insurance does not always cover them and they become an out of pocket expense. If interested in an ADHD evaluation, please call or email our office for a screening.
*NOTE* Medicaid does not cover Adult ADHD/Autism evaluations and these are self-pay. We offer lower, flat-rate, options with our postdoctoral residents and doctoral students. These evaluations take longer to receive post-feedback as they go through a rigorous editing process to ensure high-quality services are conducted with our trainees.