Autism Assessments for Adults
Why do adults pursue autism assessments?
People pursue autism assessments for many different reasons. Perhaps a child in their life was recently identified as autistic, and as they learn about how to support that child, they find themself resonating with autistic experiences. Or perhaps they’ve seen themself reflected in content they’ve seen on social media by Autistic advocates, or read a book that explores the autistic experience. Maybe they know very little about autism, but someone close to them has suggested they might be autistic.
When people begin to explore whether they are reflected in autistic ways of being, it can bring up many feelings. These may include uncertainty, confusion, clarity, relief, fear, curiosity, hope, grief, and sadness amongst others.
Many people experience such resonance with autistic experiences that they feel confident to self-identify as being autistic. Self-diagnosis is widely accepted throughout the autistic community. You don’t need a formal diagnosis for your neurotype to be valid! Yet some people wish to pursue a formal diagnosis for clarity or peace of mind, and this is also valid.
When someone learns they are autistic, it can help in many ways. It can help them to understand themselves better, and to feel a sense of “realness” about their differences, which can help them feel more confident to stand up for their needs. This can help to reduce burnout and fatigue. When people learn they are autistic it can also help them to connect with language to describe their life-long experiences. This can be helpful with the process of making sense of oneself, and with communicating about your needs. There are many ways people react when they come to understand themselves as autistic. Many people describe a sense of relief as they look back across their lives and many describe a sense of everything just making more sense. Many also experience waves of grief as they process various aspects of their lives. There is no one right way to feel.
What People Are Saying
“I am a lot more aware of my own needs and how to address them, now that I know I am autistic. I am also much more forgiving of myself, now that I know that the things that I has always blamed myself and felt shame over not being able to control are not flaws but are a result of neurodivergence, which is not something I should be ashamed of. I like myself a lot more and I feel like I know who I am a lot better. I am much more comfortable with the person that I am and the things I do.
— Annie R.
“I've come to recognize myself. I've come to realize that I am Autistic, that my sensory system takes in a whole lot more information than a ‘typical’ sensory system, that I am constantly processing more information than others, and that living in this neurotypical culture takes a lot more energy out of me that it does others. As I've learned about Autism and about myself, I've begun to make shifts in my life and, to my surprise and joy, I'm not constantly exhausted anymore.”
— Jennifer Glacel
“Different from the current meaning of the autism puzzle piece, I have felt like the missing piece in my life was not knowing I was autistic. Getting diagnosed as an adult felt like finding that piece and finally seeing the full picture of my life, making room for self-compassion and understanding.
— Reanna P.
The above quotes are from autistic people who consented to share information about their experiences in the book, “Is this Autism? A guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else” by Donna Henderson and Sarah Wayland, with Jamell White.
What is the Assessment Process Like?
There are two basic kinds of autism assessments for adults: Neuropsychological Testing, and a Psychodiagnostic Interview. With both of these methods, a clinician can make a diagnosis if a person’s experiences match the current diagnostic criteria for autism. However, they use different approaches to understand you. Regardless of the method used, if your experiences are consistent with the DSM criteria, then you will be identified as having an autistic neurology.
I conduct a formal autism assessment based on a Psychodiagnostic Interview. This is an especially effective way of identifying higher masking people, including women and gender diverse people, who may present in less stereotypical ways. This is a great option for people who are primarily interested in knowing if they are autistic for personal reasons.
Sometimes people are seeking accommodations at work or school, or they may be seeking disability benefits directly. Although some workplaces or schools may accept accommodations I suggest, others may not. Some workplaces or schools require a detailed report describing the outcome of neuropsychological testing which includes specific measures in order to qualify for accommodations or benefits. I cannot guarantee that what I provide will meet their requirements. If you are interested in these services, you will want to explore exactly what documentation they require, and pursue assessment at another agency which does provide these services.
There are six main parts of an Autism Assessment with me:
1. Initial Consultation
I offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video for people interested in pursuing assessments. At that time I can answer any questions you have, and explain some more about what to expect. If you decide to move forward with the assessment, I’ll send you documents and we can schedule our next appointments.
2. Questionnaires
You will be provided with several online questionnaires to complete, usually prior to your first appointment.
3. Historical Information
You may provide me with any historical information or documentation you may have that could help me to understand your experience. This could include school reports, medical reports, job evaluations, papers you’ve written for school, journal entries, or anything else that you feel may be personally relevant.
4. Psychodiagnostic Interview
The diagnostic interview is based on a measure called the MIGDAS-II. The MIGDAS is designed to explore autistic experiences through a collaborative discussion. I will ask you about many areas of your life and your experiences, yet there is a lot of flexibility to engage in the conversation in ways that feel authentic to you. You can drop deeply into areas where you have a lot to say, and we can move into other topic areas when it feels natural to do so. There is an emphasis on your comfort and meeting your sensory needs. There is freedom to speak about your experiences in ways that feel right to you. The conversation is designed to be adapted to your own individual needs, and in getting to know you personally. It is well suited for identifying high-masking people.
5. Collateral Information
It is helpful for me to speak with a partner, family member, or a friend who knows you well and who can share about their experiences and observations of how you are in the world.
6. Feedback Session
Your feedback session is scheduled for an hour. During this meeting, I will review the information I have gathered from the questionnaires, historical information, and your diagnostic interview. During this appointment, I will discuss the results with you in detail, and you will have time to ask questions and share your reflections. I will provide you with recommendations for ongoing support.
Pricing
Adult Autism Assessment
$1500
An Adult Autism Assessment starts at $1500. It covers my review of your self-report measures, historical information, collateral contact with a friend or family member, up to 4 hours of collaborative interview time, and a one hour feedback session. This also includes an optional one sentence letter indicating the outcome of the assessment process. It does not include a written report. Half this fee ($750) is due upfront, 48 hours prior to your first appointment.
Additional Interview Time
$300
The majority of people complete the interview part of the assessment process within the time that’s initially scheduled. If we decide additional time would be helpful, we can add that time as needed, at the rate of $300 per additional hour.
Optional add-on. Brief report
$300
If you would like a brief (1-2 page) report outlining the results of your assessment, the fee for that is $300. This includes Reason for Assessment, Measures used, Summary, Diagnostic Impressions, and Recommendations.
Optional add-on.
Comprehensive report
$600
If you would like a comprehensive (10-20+ page) report outlining the results of your assessment, the fee for that is $600. In addition to what is included in the brief report, this comprehensive report also includes:
Your personal background, including your developmental, medical, social, and mental health history
Results, descriptions, and interpretation of all measures used
An autism diagnostic chart. This is an extensive multi-page document that uses examples gathered from the assessment to illustrate ways in which you do (or do not) meet each diagnostic criteria.
Post-Assessment Follow-Up
$300
It can take time to process things. After an assessment, some people want to book a follow up appointment to further discuss their experience, ask follow-up questions, and to feel oriented to the next steps of their journey. Currently, I offer an optional single hour long follow-up session for those who want this. Unfortunately, I do not have the scheduling capacity to offer ongoing neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapy to new clients at this time.
Common Questions
I am not currently on any insurance panels. Some health insurance policies provide coverage for “out of network” mental health treatment. Also, some insurance policies may have a deductible that must be met before the insurance benefit begins.
Some people are able to use a work benefit, such as a Flexible Spending Account, to pay for services. An FSA allows people to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for health care that is not covered by insurance.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! I am licensed as a Psychologist by the state of California. Even though the assessment is conducted online, I can only provide assessments to people who are physically in the state of California during their meeting times. If you are not in California, then you will need to locate a provider who is licensed to provide this service in your area.
Do I have to be in California for this?
My teenager thinks they are autistic. Will you meet with them?
I only meet with people who are 18 and older. I do not provide Autism Assessments for children or teens under 18.
Why don’t you include a written report in your base fee?
I have decided not provide written reports unless requested for several reasons. Many people who want to know if they are autistic for their own personal reasons don’t care about a written report; they just want to know. It takes a significant amount of time (and incurs a significant expense) to write a report. By omitting the time and expense of report writing, I can serve more people, at a lower cost, which makes diagnosis more accessible. I am happy to provide a one-sentence note indicating the outcome of the assessment at no charge.
What if I need a written report?
If you want a detailed report for your own personal reasons, then you can add that on for an additional fee. A brief report (1-2 pages) costs $300. A comprehensive report (often 10-20 pages) is $600.
Please keep in mind that if you need a detailed report to submit to a government agency, an HR Department for accommodations at work, or an office of Disability and Support Service for accommodations at school, then it is highly likely that they require a report describing the outcome of neuropsychological testing in order to be eligible for disability services. I do not provide neuropsychological testing. Double check with them directly to be sure.
I have more questions…
Please email or call, and I will be glad to discuss your questions with you!