ADULT AUTISM EVALUATIONS
Learning whether or not you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder can help provide you with the support and resources you need. It can help you understand yourself, difficulties you struggle with, and areas of strength as well.
It can improve your personal relationships as you have a deeper understanding of what’s changeable and what’s not.
If diagnosed, it can facilitate the development of accommodations for college education. Or it can help you understand what types of work, social, and home environments are more compatible with your needs.
I offer two types of evaluations at two different cost levels.
- Full evaluation: We meet for several sessions and the evaluation is extensive. A full report is included that can be submitted if applying for disability.
- Assessment Session: We meet for 90 minutes to 2 hours and I assess whether you meet criteria for the diagnosis of Autism. This is for personal knowledge and no report is included. If you would like a letter for work accommodations, I can provide that at an additional cost.
AUTISM EVALUATION PROCESS
Adults Only
I do not do child or teen evaluations. You must be over the age of 18.
1. First Contact
We correspond by email or through a Free Telephone Consultation to discuss the evaluation process, what your goals are in terms of being diagnosed, and which type of evaluation is appropriate for you.
2. Schedule
If you decide to move ahead, we usually schedule your appointment on the consultation. Or if you need to think about it or talk to some family members or friends before proceeding, I let you know how to schedule later. You just email me and we figure out at time to meet. I can almost always get you on the schedule within two weeks (holiday season excepted).
3a. Payment
All evaluations are pre-paid either online through Square or through my payment processor IvyPay. Payment plans are available only for a Full Evaluation.
3b. Cost
Evaluations are a flat rate that include the interviews/meetings; follow-up questions, calls, or meetings, and the final written report provided as a pdf and as a paper document (if requested).
Although I am not in-network for any insurance, I will provide an itemized receipt / “super bill” so that you can file for reimbursement if your health insurance company offers that benefit.
Please note that many insurances now offer partial coverage of neuropsychological testing, an average of up to 70 percent of the actual expense. You can check your benefits online with the website https://www.meetnirvana.com
4. Prior to Appointment
You’ll complete several online measures prior to the appointment, which look at symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. These assessments help identify the types of difficulties someone is experiencing, how they manage these difficulties in their daily life, and other factors that may be present.
5. Sessions
We meet (in-person or virtually) for the appropriate number of sessions based on the type of evaluation you are doing. I learn about your functioning, sensitivities, social interactions, and developmental history. If you’re comfortable, family members that know about your difficulties through the years are welcome to attend one of these appointments.
If you’re doing an Assessment Session, then you will have an answer about whether you meet the criteria for the diagnosis of Autism (or not) at the end of this session.
6. Written Formal Report
If you’re doing a Full Evaluation, I take all the information that I have gathered and determine if you meet criteria for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and at what level. I then write a complete report that can be used personally and legally.
7. Feedback Session
If doing a Full Evaluation, we have a feedback session which includes an explanation of results and recommendations. My goal is that you will have a better understanding of your strengths as well as areas that may need some help or ways to accommodate you that may be helpful for your professionally, personally, and socially.