Autism Testing and Diagnosis in Adults
Seeking Clarity?
If you’ve always felt “different,” masked to get through the day, or want validation and accommodations, you deserve a process that’s respectful, affirming, and built for how your brain works.
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ADHD and autism can look different in adulthood than in childhood. High-masking individuals often develop strategies that hide traits in school or at work, which can lead to missed or misdiagnoses (e.g., anxiety, depression, or “burnout”). Sensory differences, executive function challenges, social fatigue, and the pressure to “perform neurotypical” are common themes I hear from clients.
You are not alone! My role is to help you understand patterns, reduce shame, and identify supports that fit your life.
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A formal diagnosis can be helpful if you need:
Workplace or school accommodations (ADA or disability services)
Documentation for benefits, testing accommodations, or care coordination
Clarity and validation that supports treatment planning
An informal process may be enough if you primarily want:
Self-understanding and language for what you experience
Therapy and skills tailored to ADHD/autistic needs
A gentler, lower‑stakes exploration without a written report
If you’re unsure which path is right, we can talk through pros and cons together in a consultation.
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Time and cost: Formal evaluations take more hours (interviews, measures, report writing) and therefore cost more.
Disclosure decisions: Labels can carry stigma. You control if/when you share your diagnosis; I’ll help you think through impact and timing.
Fit: Some people feel well-supported without a formal label. Others find the diagnosis life-changing. We’ll tailor the process to your goals.
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Not necessarily. Many neurodivergent adults live well by focusing on skills, supports, and environments that work for them—diagnosis or not. If your priority is coping tools, executive function support, or relationship/identity work, we can start there and revisit diagnosis later if needed.
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Formal Autism Assessment (Diagnostic)
Purpose: A comprehensive, adult‑focused autism evaluation that can result in a formal diagnosis and a written report suitable for workplace/school accommodations, disability services, and care coordination.
This assessment is designed specifically for late‑identified autistic adults, high‑masking individuals, and neurodivergent women/femmes who want clarity, validation, and language for their lived experience.
Typical Components (4–6 Sessions)
1. In‑Depth Intake & Developmental History We begin with a detailed exploration of your developmental background, sensory experiences, communication patterns, masking, burnout, and executive functioning challenges.
2. MIGDAS‑2 Diagnostic Interview for Adults with Verbal Fluency
This is the core of your autism assessment. The MIGDAS‑2 is a semi‑structured, conversational clinical interview specifically designed for autistic adults who communicate verbally.
Instead of rapid‑fire yes/no questions or infantilizing prompts, the MIGDAS‑2 allows you to share your experiences in your own words while I observe:
sensory preferences
communication style
cognitive processing
masking and burnout patterns
environmental needs
strengths and challenges
This portion typically takes two to three sessions to complete.
3. Behavioral Observations Across Contexts Throughout the interview process, I observe communication patterns, sensory responses, cognitive style, and environmental needs that often go overlooked in traditional assessments.
4. Optional Collateral Interview If helpful, a partner or family member can provide additional context about your history, communication, and sensory patterns.
5. Integrated Diagnostic Write‑Up & Clinical Formulation I synthesize all assessment components into a comprehensive, strengths‑based diagnostic formulation.
6. Feedback Session + Written Diagnostic Report In your final session, we review diagnostic impressions, discuss your neurotype, and explore next steps. You receive a formal diagnostic determination (if criteria are met) and a written report.
Best For:
Workplace or school accommodations
Disability documentation
Care coordination
Understanding your neurotype with clarity
Late‑identified autistic adults seeking validation and language
High‑masking individuals experiencing burnout or identity fatigue
Informal ADHD Screening (Non‑Diagnostic)
I do not offer formal ADHD diagnostic evaluations. However, if you’re exploring ADHD traits or executive functioning challenges, I provide informal ADHD screening integrated into therapy — included in your standard therapy fee.
This process may include:
clinical interview
validated questionnaires
strengths‑based discussion of patterns
personalized strategies for focus, organization, and emotional regulation
This screening helps us understand your experiences and guide treatment, but it does not result in a formal ADHD diagnosis or written report.