Welcome to my ADHD/Autism assessment page! Thanks for stopping by! If you have consistently zoned out during a conversation with friends, while listening to a professor in class, or even while reading an interesting book, then you are on the right page. If you find that you experience intense emotions to the point of wanting to scream, in agony or elatedly, then you are on the right page. If you feel that both small or big changes in your day cause you to feel utterly exhausted, sometimes for a whole day or longer, then you are definitely on the right page. My goal here is to provide a brief overview of ADHD and Autism, guidance on the benefits of an assessment, and why I could be a good fit to assess for both. 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that consists of persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that can negatively impact daily functioning and development. Adults with ADHD often struggle with paying and keeping attention to tasks, organizing activities, following through on chores, deadlines, promises, etc., and managing time effectively. They may also experience impulsivity. Think back to how many times you have heard “What were you thinking?” and not being able to give a solid answer. How many times have you heard “think before you speak” after accidentally making a comment that was perceived as “rude”. Hyperactivity in adults with ADHD can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or a constant need for movement. These symptoms vary in how often and how intense they show up in adults. ADHD can significantly impact many aspects of our lives, including work, relationships, and overall well-being.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that consists of challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as highly-focused interests and repetitive behaviors. Autism is typically diagnosed in childhood, but many more adults are receiving a diagnosis later in life as the world’s awareness and understanding of the autism spectrum continues to expand and evolve. Adults with autism may experience difficulties in understanding social cues, navigating two-way conversations, and forming relationships. They may also have an intense focus on specific topics or activities, and have a significant need for routines and rituals. Sensory sensitivities, such as low pain tolerance, high reactivity to loud noises, and aversion to textures of certain foods and clothing, are also common among individuals with autism.

You might be asking yourself why you should get an assessment. Here are some key reasons: 

• Understanding Personal Challenges: Completing an assessment for ADHD and Autism in adulthood can give you a better understanding of your cognitive and behavioral patterns. It can give insight into why you may have difficulties with organization, social interactions, or managing emotions. This knowledge can empower you to develop effective coping strategies.

• Access to Support and Resources: A formal diagnosis can open doors to a wide range of support services and resources tailored to your specific needs. This may include therapy, counseling, medication management, school/work accommodations, and more. The focus will be to enhance overall well-being and improve functional outcomes in various areas of your life.

• Validation and Self-Acceptance: Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism can be a richly validating experience, confirming your experiences and challenges as legitimate. It can improve self-acceptance and reduce feelings of self-blame or inadequacy. It can also create a sense of belonging with neurodivergent communities and promote advocacy efforts for greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.

Assessments for ADHD and Autism conducted by clinicians who are knowledgeable about neurodivergence and the unique experiences of individuals with these conditions can be more affirming than assessments by psychologists who lack lived experience and have an outdated view of what it “looks” like to have these conditions. An affirming assessment environment often fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nuanced ways in which ADHD and Autism manifest in adults. It is especially important to acknowledge individual strengths and challenges in this context, as opposed to collective deficits. Current medical descriptions of symptoms focus on how people perceive you as “the problem” and not on how your challenges are created by living in a world that isn’t built for you. 

Neurodivergent clinicians, such as myself, can provide a safer and more non-judgmental space where you can feel understood and validated, allowing for a more holistic exploration of your  experiences and traits. I prioritize empathy, sensitivity, collaboration, and mutual respect at all stages of the assessment process. This affirming approach not only enhances the accuracy of diagnosis but also increases self-awareness, self-acceptance, and validation for the brave souls, like yourself, seeking to understand their neurocognitive profiles.