VIRTUAL DIAGNOSTIC AUTISM & ADHD ASSESSMENTS FOR ADULTS IN NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, & FLORIDA

an assessment process that exists to understand your neurotype, not debate it

It’s been a long road to get here

The path to understanding your neurotype shouldn't feel like an interrogation. For too long, the standard diagnostic process has been a "deficits-based" model; one that searches for what is "wrong" with you rather than how you actually function.

Traditional assessments were built on a narrow foundation, primarily studying white, cisgender boys. This has created a systemic "diagnostic gap" that causes real harm, especially to People of the Global Majority, Queer, and Trans communities.

When you add co-occurring mental health conditions or chronic illness to the mix, many clinicians attribute your traits to trauma or anxiety while ignoring your underlying sensory and cognitive needs.

how my process stands apart from other assessments

Standard diagnostic procedures often pathologize neurodivergence as a 'disorder' to be managed.

If you can navigate a conversation or hold eye contact, your internal reality is often disregarded by assessors who prioritize clinical checklists over your actual life experiences.

I reject the idea that an assessment should be a cold, rigid interrogation where there’s pressure to provide enough proof to the clinician.

My process replaces the sterile 'medical model' with a collaborative, neuro-affirming approach that honors the hours of research you’ve done, your lived experience, your history, and, most importantly, your humanity.

the assessment process

This process is a collaborative exploration of your unique neurotype. Together, we’ll determine if you meet the criteria for Autism and/or ADHD through a lens that honors your lived experience.

1. The Intake & Evaluation Session

In our first session, we’ll explore your social and developmental history alongside your current sensory, executive functioning, and behavioral profile. Rather than focusing only on childhood milestones and symptoms, we look at your entire life; including how you’ve navigated your environment, developed coping or masking strategies, and experienced the world around you.

2. Collaborative Assessment

Following our intake, I’ll invite you to complete a curated selection of validated self-report tools and assessments. There is no rush. You can move through these at your own pace in a space where you feel comfortable. You’re also welcome to share any previous evaluations or medical records if relevant.

3. Inner Circle Feedback

With your permission, I can also include input from people in your inner circle, such as family, partners, or your therapist. I only gather this extra info if you agree to it and think it would be helpful for the assessment.

4. Your Integrated Report

You will receive a report that translates our findings into a clear narrative of your strengths and support needs, including a formal diagnosis, if indicated, and personalized recommendations.

5. The Reflection Session

Our process concludes with a Reflection Session. This is a dedicated space to process your results together and ensure the report feels like an authentic mirror of your experience. We’ll unpack the findings, explore what they mean for your daily life, and leave plenty of room for your questions. My intention is for you to leave this session feeling seen, validated, and equipped with a clearer understanding of yourself.

*Note on Self-Diagnosis: I recognize self-diagnosis/determination as valid.
Here is a guide that can support your exploration of self-diagnosis.

frequently asked questions

  • No. A full psychological evaluation is usually conducted by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and often involves a "battery" of tests (IQ tests, academic achievement tests, etc.).

    • Neuropsychological Testing: screens for specific learning disabilities like dyslexia, effects from a traumatic brain injury or stroke, mood disorders like depression and anxiety, as well as ADHD and autism - to name a few examples.

    • My Process: is a Clinical Evaluation. I focus specifically on identifying Autism and ADHD. I use clinical interviews, developmental history, and specialized questionnaires and assessments to understand your sensory, social, and emotional processing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have training and experience with assessing and diagnosing autism and adhd. I am not a Neuropsychologist and cannot provide neuropsychological testing.

    A neuropsychological evaluation is often best if...

    • You suspect a learning disability (like Dyslexia or Dyscalculia) which requires specific cognitive testing.

    • There is a history of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), seizures, or complex neurological medical conditions.

    • You need a report for Social Security Disability or high-stakes standardized testing accommodations (like the Bar Exam or MCAT), which sometimes mandate specific cognitive sub-tests.

  • My assessment process intentionally centers the lived experiences of neurodivergent people, and I often use specialized tools that go beyond standard clinical measures.

    While I draw from a range of evidence-based assessments, I recognize that there is no single, definitive test for Autism or ADHD; instead, I prioritize a comprehensive evaluation that honors your unique identity and experiences.

    Also, I’m of the belief that assessment should not be a process that is pathologizing, othering, or otherwise harmful to experience.  Many of the screening and assessment tools that are commonly used are rooted in behaviorism, pathology and deficits, and do not provide opportunities to respectfully explore and affirm the internal experiences of neurodivergent people.

    My process of evaluation uses assessment tools within my scope of practice as an LCSW that are intentionally selected for their neurodiversity affirming, non-pathologizing approach to understanding, assessing and describing Autism and/or ADHD. 

  • Autism Assessment: We’ll talk about your background and lived experience so we can build a full picture of your life story together.

    I will also ask you questions from the MIGDAS-2 Assessment to understand your unique cognitive and sensory style.

    Lastly, I will invite you to complete validated self-report measures from Embrace Autism:

    • RAADS-R

    • CAT-Q

    • RBQ-2A

    • CATI


    ADHD Assessment:

    We’ll look at the full arc of your story. Instead of just checking boxes, we’ll talk about how your brain moves through the world and identify the specific moments where you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or misunderstood.

    I will also invite you to complete an ADHD Screener:

    • ASRS-v1.1


    Combination Autism & ADHD Assessment:

    We’ll do all of the above.

  • Absolutely. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am legally and ethically qualified to diagnose per my state licensing board. My scope of practice includes the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to provide formal clinical diagnoses.

  • I offer evaluations for adults (18+), but I’d gladly share referrals with you. Please contact me for more information.

  • An assessment is a discovery process. If the data suggests you don't meet the formal criteria for Autism or ADHD, we don't just stop there. We will use our reflection session to discuss what is happening; whether that’s CPTSD, sensory differences, or other neurodivergent traits, so you still walk away with a better understanding of yourself and a plan for support.

  • On one hand, diagnostic evaluation is a significant financial investment. On the other hand, I know how financially inaccessible diagnostic assessment can be and do my best to minimize operations costs to keep my rates as low as possible.

    Because transparency is important for accountability, here is the breakdown of the time and cost required for diagnostic assessment:

    • 2-3 hours of diagnostic interview session(s) with assessment participant and additional interviews with friends, family, your therapist, etc. (3-4 hours for combined evaluation; Autism and ADHD)

    • 2 hours of evaluator time in analyzing & organizing information gathered

    • 2-3 hours of evaluator time writing diagnostic report & recommendations (3-4 hours for combined evaluation)

    • 45-minute session with assessment participant to review evaluation outcomes and recommendations

    Total time evaluators spend completing each evaluation is approximately 8 hours (up to 10 hours for combined evaluation). With this information in mind, below are the rates for evaluation.

    Autism Assessment Rates (8hrs)

    • Equitable Rate: $1,600 ($200/hour)

    • Sustainable Rate: $1,200 ($150/hr)

    • Accessible Rate: $800 ($100/hr)

    Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment Rates (10hrs)

    • Equitable Rate: $2,000 ($200/hr)

    • Sustainable Rate: $1,500 ($150/hr)

    • Accessible Rate: $1,000 ($100/hr)

    *This language and rate structure has been adapted from Rachel Boggan, LCSW of The Properties of Light.

  • On one hand, diagnostic evaluation is a significant financial investment. On the other hand, I know how financially inaccessible diagnostic assessment can be and do my best to minimize operations costs to keep my rates as low as possible.

    Because transparency is important for accountability, here is the breakdown of the time and cost required for diagnostic assessment:

    • 1-2 hours of diagnostic interview session(s). I may spend additional time gathering additional information from your friends, family, therapist, etc. Additional interviews are optional.

    • 2 hours, at minimum, reviewing your history, analyzing the assessment results, and writing a detailed report that outlines your unique profile and next steps.

    • 45-minute session to review evaluation outcomes and recommendations

    Total time evaluators spend completing each evaluation is, at minimum, 4 hours. With this information in mind, below are the rates for evaluation.

    ADHD Assessment Rate (4hrs):

    • Equitable Rate: $800 ($200/hr)

    • Sustainable Rate: $600 ($150/hr)

    • Accessible Rate: $400 ($100/hr)

    *This language and rate structure has been adapted from Rachel Boggan, LCSW of The Properties of Light.

  • Send me a message on the contact page. I do my best to respond within 48 business hours. Please know I am in the office Monday-Thursday 10am-5pm eastern time. In my response, I will share a link to schedule a free 15-minute video consultation where we can get to know each other better, ask questions, and discuss logistics.

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