Autism & ADHD Diagnostic Assessments with Written Evaluation for Adults (18yrs+)

A note from Basil…

Credentialism

I provide strengths based, culturally informed & identity-affirming diagnostic assessments for Autism & ADHD for adults in North Carolina and PA. Under law, in both NC and PA, social workers with specialized training in Autism and ADHD are permitted to offer valid Diagnostic Assessments with Written Evaluations which can be used to request work and/or school accommodations. I meet this requirement by being a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), although my “expertise” is also crucially informed by my own lived experience as a neurodivergent person, my former 10yr career in disability services, clinical mentorship, and having engaged with much theory on neurodivergence and its intersections.

Context

There are significant racial, gender and economic disparities in Autism and ADHD diagnosing. For more information on the nuances, I suggest starting with reading the book Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price. In short: women, queer & trans people, under-resourced folks, and people of color are under enormous societal pressure to mask their discomfort in ways that people shielded by white privilege, wealth/resources, and cis-hetero/patriarchal normativity are not. Additionally, these same communities often get their neurodivergence overlooked because it presents non-stereotypically. From a culturally informed lens, we start to see that having certain skills— like being emotionally and/or socially Intelligent or being productive under capitalism—do not automatically rule out a person from also legitimately having, and struggling with, Autism &/or ADHD. In my practice, I also recognize that the assessment, evaluation and diagnosing process itself can further marginalize these same communities with biased methods, resulting in women and queer people more likely being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder & Anxiety rather than Autism and/or ADHD, and with people of color getting diagnosed with mood & thought disorders rather than Autism and/or ADHD. I strive to use these methods in combination with an anti-oppressive and trauma informed analysis.

Ethos

I aim to provide these diagnostic assessments from the same framework as I work with in my psychotherapy practice. That means you will receive assessment, evaluation and diagnosis from a lens that is trauma informed, identity affirming, relational, liberation based, and with systemic/societal contextual analysis. I aim to de-pathologize your experience and offer a neurodivergent framework that gives you access to more self compassion, self advocacy, self accommodation, and more insight into your interpersonal dynamics in relationships.

Methods

Historically, and still today more commonly, these types of diagnostic assessments are done by Psychologists. I do not do full neuropsychological testing, and my process does not include assessing for learning disabilities nor do I administer IQ testing. Autism & ADHD are not intellectual disabilities, and IQ testing is a measure of “functioning” that only serves to reinforce the harmful stereotypes surrounding neurodivergence and having certain abilities. My services are narrowed at the intersections of neurodivergence and trauma for adults. Most common, but not limited to, diagnostic tools I use: MIGDAS-2, RAADS-14, CAT-Q, SRS-2, CAARS, DIVA 2, ACES, TSQ, MDQ, Y-BOCS, DES-II, GAD-7, PHQ-9.

Risk

While getting validation or clarification in the form of a diagnosis can be helpful, one might want to consider the risks & costs of formal diagnosis too. Unfortunately, ableism runs deep in the framework of our institutions and our individual psyches, along with racism, transphobia and so on. Read here, for more information on potential risks. Generally, “good” reasons to pursue formal diagnosis include: seeking school/work accommodations, FMLA from work, or trying to access government assistance (SSDI). I do offer testing only without written evaluation for folks concerned about risks.

Accessibility

I aim to be accessible in my practices wherever possible while also being under the pressures of capitalism. This service is far cheaper than a full neuropsych eval, but I recognize prices may still be out of range for a lot of people. I will be reserving space for reduced fee assessments and reparations-based/pro bono assessments.

Process

Send your inquiry through the contact page, and I’ll get in touch to schedule an initial 15 min video consultation to meet & discuss logistics. From there, if the fit mutually feels good, I’ll send you initial paperwork, and we’ll schedule your assessment appointment where I’ll administer a diagnostic interview and collect payment. Once administered, we will schedule your follow up appointment where you’ll receive your written evaluation and an explanation of results. You can expect your written diagnostic evaluation & clinical recommendations 2-4 weeks after your assessment appointment.