Offerings.

Historically, little attention has been given to adults with ADHD and Autism. It was once a widely held (incorrect) belief that both “disorders” only impact children and resolve by adulthood. This ignorance left countless folks diagnosed as children to emerge into adulthood with no resources or support. Those who fall through the cracks and aren’t diagnosed as children become adults who not only can’t understand why they’re struggling, but are blamed by society for it. This is a defeating, isolating experience.

The mental health field has prioritized the Medical Model (views neurodivergence as psychopathology to be cured/deficit based) to the detriment of neurodivergent people. It’s imperative to work from the Social Model, which views neurodivergence as part of a person’s identity, it works to change society’s beliefs about neurodivergent people and prioritizes acceptance of the differences of communication, sensory sensitivity and support. There is always presumed competence and it does not pathologize neurodivergent traits. It seeks to create a more accessible environment vs. forcing people to conform to neurotypical expectations. The Social Model operates on the principle that each neurotype is heterogeneous and a person’s identity isn’t defined by their diagnosis, but by their unique experiences, strengths and perspectives.

I am a late diagnosed Autistic with Sensory Processing Disorder and I personally know what it feels like to go unnoticed despite the internal struggles of being high masking. At a point I hit a wall trying to keep up. I dove deeply into learning more about autism after, like many people, I began being exposed more to what it “feels” like to be autistic on social media. It ignited and validated so many of the questions I always had about myself. (Learn more About Me)

In my journey to seek formal assessment, I could not (for the life of me!) find a person of color who provided assessment and personally understood the Autistic experience. Assessments were also priced at several thousand dollars and required me to wait on a long waitlist before ever getting any real clarity. 

My goals in providing Neuro-Affirming Adult ADHD & Autism assessment are:

• To support you to seek assessment from someone who looks like you.

• To keep the quality high/comprehensive and the cost affordable.

• Make assessment more accessible for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ folks because according to the research, we’re more likely to be neurodivergent.

• Support you to find self-acceptance, understanding, resources, community and a voice to advocate for your needs.

In California, with appropriate additional training, Masters level therapists can diagnose ADHD and Autism via a diagnostic assessment. I hold a Masters degree, am a CA licensed clinician and I have received additional training for Masters level clinicians for diagnosing Autism/ADHD and providing competent, neuro-affirming care. I engage in regular consultation with other professionals in this area and regularly complete related continuing education.

I do NOT perform neuropsychological testing. Neuropsych tests cost thousands of dollars, take 10-12 hours and are much less specific because they test for a wide range of conditions (reading, attention, intelligence, reasoning, and mood disorders). They measure mental functions and cognitive abilities to determine how well the brain is functioning and can only be administered by psychologists or psychiatrists. Some reasons for obtaining a neuropsych assessment include having other serious co-occurring mental health conditions, brain injuries, or if a neuropsych assessment is being specifically requested to obtain certain school accommodations.

Neuropsych testing is NOT required for an adult ADHD or Autism diagnosis. A diagnostic assessment is right for you If you’re lookin for clarity at a more affordable price point.

Self-diagnosis is fully valid and may be all the validation a person needs. I seek to support those who are still unsure about their diagnosis, may already self-identify as ADHD/Autistic/AuDHD, but would benefit from the added support of a professional opinion.

The road to settling those long-held questions about yourself can be lengthy and can bring even more confusion when ventured in isolation. An assessment provides a comprehensive means towards real clarity and connects you to needed resources.

What to expect will vary depending on which option you select. Regardless, you’re welcomed to participate in a way that makes you feel most comfortable (i.e, comfort items, stimming, etc.).

Consultation Process:a 1-hour virtual meeting where I answer your specific questions to help you gauge if ADHD/Autism may be present and what appropriate next steps should be considered. I’ll also provide you a general resource list.

Formal Assessment Process:

Pre-Assessment Paperwork: You’ll receive preparatory paperwork that includes a combination of intake forms and screening tools. You’ll complete and return this at least 7 days before the first session of your Diagnostic Interview.

Diagnostic Interview: It’s very narrative. We’ll explore your story and I’ll ask you specific questions to understand your experiences, strengths and challenges. We flow by building off of information you bring up and me asking more direct questions. It’s comprised of two individual 3-hour long sessions. This is the longest part of the assessment so afterwards it’s imperative that you nurture yourself and your body in order to decompress and recharge.

In Between Sessions: Usually 2-4 weeks is between the Diagnostic Interview and Feedback Session. During this time you’re welcome to email me with any new information/insights that have come to light. On my end, I’ll be scoring your assessments, reviewing any additional information you send, gathering collateral information from the family/partner/close friend (not required) involved, determining your diagnosis and working on my comprehensive report.

Feedback Session: This is where I deliver your diagnosis (right at the start, I promise!), explore what your experience has been of the process, collaboratively review diagnostic criteria and my final report, review resources/referrals and I’ll answer any remaining questions you may have.

This process will vary based on your needs and desired use of the diagnosis. Please be advised that different institutions (school, work) may have varying requirements for diagnosis. It’s strongly recommended that you inquire directly about the specific requirements of that institution you’re seeking accommodations for. I’m happy to help you with figuring this out.

Please also be advised that I cannot assist with programs like SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), disability income, unemployment benefits, or housing assistance. These programs have complex eligibility requirements that vary by state. If you require this level of support, it's recommended to find a provider within your state who can conduct a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation suitable for submission to your state agency for review.

No. All assessments are private pay only. Although I will provide you with a superbill, adult assessment is not covered by insurance when conducted by a Masters level clinician.

No. Since I do not work with or accept insurance, your diagnosis is for your own personal information.

You absolutely have the option to include a family member or friend to provide collateral information as part of your assessment, but it’s not required.

I’d love to work with you for individual therapy! Please schedule a consultation to get started.

My goals in our work together will focus on:

• Supporting you to understand your neurocomplexity.

• Finding more aligned ways to express and experience emotion.

• Exploring questions about identity.

• Learning about internalized stigma/ableism and reframing your neurodivergent traits as strengths.

• Helping you curate a neurodivergent-affirming life.

• Navigating socializing and connecting with others.

• Teaching you strategies to manage symptoms, and boost self-awareness and confidence to take up more space in the world.

• Navigating academic accommodations.

Check out more information About me.

At this time I am only licensed to work with CA-based clients. I’d be happy to provide you with resources to locate an assessor in your state.

Please complete the form at the bottom of this page to get connected with me to begin the process of your assessment.

We’ll first start with a free 15-minute consultation to get acquainted, ensure it’s a good it, explore your needs, and discuss next steps.

I can’t wait to meet you :]