Neurodiversity-affirming ADHD and Autism Assessments for Adults in Greenwood Village, CO
Same formal diagnosis.
Completely different approach.
Can you really offer formal diagnosis from a neurodiversity-affirming approach?
It’s a valid question. Neurodiversity-affirming approaches are in direct contrast to the medical model, the framework where formal diagnoses are made. So, the simplest conclusion would be that there is no way to offer neurodiversity-affirming diagnoses.
However, the medical model still dominates healthcare (and society as a whole). Formal diagnosis is often needed to access accommodations, medication, and legitimacy from other providers. And as a neurodiversity-affirming clinician, I recognize that we often have to work within the system we have.
That doesn’t mean, though, that the process of assessment and diagnosis cannot be done in a way that understands and honors neurodivergence from an affirming lens. I opt to use formal assessment measures that are more neuro-affirming, I thoroughly explore and value lived experience, and I am knowledgable about how masking behaviors, gender, and race/ethnicity can influence the presentation of ADHD or Autism. And finally, as someone with both Autism and ADHD myself, I am not judging or diagnosing from the outside looking in—which means that I have an understanding of these neurotpyes that stems from lived experience first.
What does the assessment
process look like?
During an initial consultation, we’ll explore where you are in your diagnostic journey and the reasons you are seeking assessment. This will help ensure that we schedule you for the right assessment type and package for your needs.
Once your assessment is scheduled, you will have a few things to complete ahead of our appointment including: signing initial paperwork, filling out an intake questionnaire, and completing some self-administered screening tools (such as the ASRS, CAT-Q, or RAADS-R). The paperwork and screening tools must be completed 72 hours prior to your assessment appointment.
During your assessment, I will conduct a thorough clinical interview where I will review your paperwork and screening tools and gather information about your history and lived experience. I will also administer validated screening and assessment tools (such as the DIVA-5 or MIGDAS-2). This process typically takes between 2-3 hours.
If indicated, I may request to send screening tools to a close family or friend with your consent. This is not required but can be helpful in the assessment process.
You will receive the report from your assessment 2-3 weeks after your appointment. If you opt to add a feedback session, we can review the results together during that appointment and I can answer any questions you may have about the report.
Assessment Packages
ADHD Only Assessment
$550—Essential Report
Includes a brief 1-2 page diagnostic summary and a “What’s Next” document with recommendations and resources.
$950—Comprehensive Report
Includes a full report detailing your history, the assessment process, and the complete clinical reasoning behind your diagnosis. Also includes a “What’s Next” document with recommendations and resources.
*Add an optional 60 minute feedback session to either package for $200
Autism Only Assessment
$950—Essential Report
Includes a brief 1-2 page diagnostic summary and a “What’s Next” document with recommendations and resources.
$1450—Comprehensive Report
Includes a full report detailing your history, the assessment process, and the complete clinical reasoning behind your diagnosis. Also includes a “What’s Next” document with recommendations and resources.
*Add an optional 60 minute feedback session to either package for $200
ADHD + Autism Assessment
$1250—Essential Report
Includes a brief 1-2 page diagnostic summary and a “What’s Next” document with recommendations and resources.
$1850—Comprehensive Report
Includes a full report detailing your history, the assessment process, and the complete clinical reasoning behind your diagnosis. Also includes a “What’s Next” document with recommendations and resources.
*Add an optional 60 minute feedback session to either package for $200