Autism & ADHD Diagnostic Assessments with Written Evaluation for Adults (18yrs+)

Credentialism

We provide strengths based, culturally informed & identity-affirming diagnostic assessments for Autism & ADHD for adults in North Carolina and PA. Under law, in both NC and PA, clinical social workers with specialized training in Autism and ADHD are permitted to offer valid Diagnostic Assessments with Written Evaluations which can be used to request work and/or school accommodations. This requirement is met by the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) training, the certified clinical specialist in ADHD (CCP-ADHD) training, and other assessment specific trainings for Autism and ADHD in adults.

Context

There are significant racial, gender and economic disparities in Autism and ADHD diagnosing. In short: women, queer & trans people, under-resourced folks, and/or people of color are often under enormous pressure to mask their discomfort in ways that people shielded by white privilege, resources, and cis-hetero-normativity are not. Additionally, these same communities often acquire certain skills linked to survival, and will have their neurodivergence overlooked because it presents non-stereotypically. From a culturally informed lens, we start to see that having certain skills do not automatically rule out a person from also legitimately having, and struggling with, Autism &/or ADHD.

Ethos

We aim to provide these diagnostic assessments from a lens that is trauma informed, identity affirming, relational, liberation based, strengths based, and with systemic/societal contextual analysis. We aim to de-pathologize your experience and offer a neurodivergent framework that gives you access to more self compassion, self advocacy, self accommodation, and more insight into your interpersonal dynamics in relationships.

Methods

Historically, and still today more commonly, these types of diagnostic assessments are done by Psychologists. This assessment service is not a full neuropsychological evaluation and does not include assessing for learning disabilities nor do we administer IQ testing. These assessment services are best for underdiagnosed populations and non-sterotypically presenting profiles of neurodivergence in adults without co-occuring intellectual or developmental disability. Most common, but not limited to, diagnostic tools used: MIGDAS-2, RAADS-14, CAT-Q, ASRSv1.1, SRS-2, CAARS, DIVA 5, ACES, PCES, TSQ, MDQ, Y-BOCS, DES-II, GAD-7, PHQ-9. We strive to use these methods in combination with an anti-oppressive and trauma informed analysis.

Risk

We may not know to the extent we need to be worrying about risks in this moment, but we try to stay as informed as possible with information on potential risks for formal diagnosis in vulnerable populations. Generally, “good” reasons to pursue formal diagnosis from us includes seeking school/work accommodations, or seeking leave from work or school. We do offer testing only without written evaluation for folks concerned about the risks of carrying a formal Autism diagnosis.

Accessibility

We aim to be accessible in our practices wherever possible. This service is far cheaper than a full neuropsych eval, but we recognize prices may still be out of range for a lot of people. We do reserve space for reduced fee assessments and pro bono assessments.

Costs

The costs are somewhat variable. For scheduled appointments for completing diagnostic interviews for ADHD and Autism, the typical time frame needed is 4-6 hours @ $200/hour, or $800-$1200.

For written reports:

ADHD re-evaluation reports: $200

Autism & ADHD written report: $600

Total costs range from $400- $1800 depending on what you are needing.

Process

Send your inquiry through the contact page, and we’ll get in touch to schedule an initial 15 min video consultation to meet & discuss logistics. From there, if the fit mutually feels good, you’ll be sent initial paperwork, and we’ll schedule your assessment appointment(s) where diagnostic interviewing is administered and full payment is collected. Once all diagnostic assessments are administered, you can expect your written diagnostic evaluation & explanation of results within 2-4 weeks.