Autism Assessment and Characteristics Reports
An Assessment Process Tailored TO
Late-Discovered Autistics
I know pursuing an autism assessment can be daunting. You may be carrying a heavy load of questions, such as:
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Where can I find an assessor?
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Will they know enough about how autism presents in adults to accurately assess me?
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Will their assessments be thorough enough when I've masked most of my life?
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Will they have a Neuro-affirming and neurodivergent-friendly assessment process?
I know these questions because I had them myself. I discovered I was autistic as an adult, but put off an autism assessment for a year because I was so scared.
I finally found a neuro-friendly assessment provider. She diagnosed me as autistic, but that was all I got. A simple "Yes, you are autistic." There was no information about what that meant for me or what I was supposed to do after.
I think autistics deserve better.
I don't just want you to know if you're autistic, I want you to know exactly how autism presents for you. I want you to know each of. your autism characteristics and understand how they impact your life. I see it as a critical foundation for then learning how to work with your unique autistic mind.
I combine my training as a therapist, my experience as a late-diagnosed autistic, my extensive reading and research in autism and autism assessments, and my continuing education courses in autism to create an assessment process that leaves you with clear answers and a map forward.
In our assessment process, I'll ask you lots of questions - and leave plenty of space for you to ask me questions. Every step of the way, you'll understand more and more about yourself.
At the conclusion of your assessment process, you will be provided with a diagnosis letter (if you want one) with specific accommodation recommendations tailored to how autism impacts you. You will also receive a 6-8 pg report that lists all of your autism characteristics in the categories of mental, emotional, sensory, body, passions, and social.
We will meet through Zoom 5 times for 1.5 hrs each (a total of 7.5 hrs). I recommend completing the assessment within one week, but some people prefer to spread the process out. We will discuss your preferred frequency during our first meeting.
How much Does it cost?
My fee is $250/hr. Thus, each 1.5 hr session is $375. You pay for each session as you go. The total cost for the complete assessment process (5 meetings) is $1,875. I do not accept insurance, but I can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. I also accept HSA/FSA cards.
How Do I know if YOu're a GooD FIT FOR ME?
It's important to me that you feel comfortable and confident in choosing to work with me. I have many ways you can get to know me better:
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Read some of the 500+ essays I've written about autism on Medium
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Read about my values as a therapist and human
When Can we Start?
We can start as soon as you're ready. Due to my registration as an Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT), I can meet with clients from all over the US and World. When you schedule, you'll be able to see my availability and pick a time that works for you.
We start with a 30 minute consultation so that you can ask questions, learn more about the assessment process, and schedule future meetings. If you decide to move forward with the assessment, the cost of the consultation will be credited toward your first assessment meeting.
What If I Need More Support after the Assessment?
I'd be happy to continue working with you as a therapy client, or provide you with recommendations for a therapist. You can read more about what expressive arts therapy with me is like here.
What if I'm not autistic?
If the assessment process determines that you do not meet the criteria for autism, I will let you know immediately. Typically, this can happen within 1-2 meetings. At that point, I will provide you with appropriate recommendations and support. You may choose to continue as a therapy client, or I can provide referrals for other therapists. You will not have to complete the full 5 meeting assessment process.
Any other Things I should know?
The "gold standard" for autism assessments vary from state to state, as well as from country to country. I am not a a psychologist or psychiatrist, and thus do not provide standardized clinical assessments. While I could pursue additional education to provide standardized clinical assessments, I choose not to because I do not find them to be sufficient for late-diagnosed autistic adults. I align with the neurodiversity movement that advocates for assessment processes that draw from multiple sources. If you'd like to learn more about Neuro-affirming assessments processes, I highly recommend "The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook."