Neurodiversity Affirming

Clinical Autism Assessments

for Adults and Older Adolescents

FAQs

Who can get an autism assessment?

I’m trained to provide autism assessments for verbally fluent adults and older adolescents (16+) who are residents of California. This assessment process is great for people with a history of challenges with: anxiety and depression , relationships and communication, and maintaining stable employment. If you’re curious about whether you might be autistic, then an assessment with me can provide a formal evaluation and recommendations for understanding your unique needs.

Where do the appointments take place?

I work primarily virtually so appointments will take place online via a secure video platform. However, if you’re based in Humboldt County then I can arrange to conduct the assessment in person in Arcata, California.

What happens during an autism assessment?

We will meet for two 75 minute appointments to complete the MIGDAS-2 interview. Our final session is a 50 minute feedback session where we’ll review the results of the MIGDAS-2, the overall diagnostic summary, and discuss support recommendations.

After our last session I’ll send you a written diagnostic report outlining the results of the MIGDAS-2, standardized assessment measures, and recommendations for specific supports within 2 weeks of our final appointment.

What approach do you use?

I work from a neurodiversity-affirming lens, which means I’m focused on understanding and validating your unique brain style, not trying to fix you. I reject prejudiced myths about autistic people that claim they don’t have empathy, don’t want relationships, have no emotional intelligence, don’t have a sense of humor, etc. Autistic people are as diverse as non-autistic people.

Using the MIGDAS-2—a sensory-focused, strengths-based narrative assessment—we’ll get a holistic look at your inner world. We won’t just look at your behavior. We’ll explore your internal emotional experience, how your sensory perceptions impact how you interact with the world, and what supports will help you embody your most fulfilling, authentic life.

Can master’s levels social workers and therapists provide autism assessments?

Yes! In California, master’s levels clinicians can provide clinical autism assessments if they have specialized training. I have specialized training in autism assessment, diagnosis, and treatment including:

  • A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Autism Assessment and Treatment Adaptation for Gender Diverse Adolescents and Adults with Gender Health Training Institute with Dr. A. Ning Zhou, MD

  • Adult Autism and ADHD Assessment Training for Master’s Level Clinicians with Kate McNulty, LCSW

  • Training with Marilyn Monteiro, Ph.D, in administering the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, 2nd Edition (MIGDAS-2)

At this point, I have more specialized training in assessing autism than any other diagnosis in the DSM-5! However, I can only provide a clinical diagnosis so if you need a neuropsychological assessment that screens for learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, or other neurodevelopmental differences then I can give you a referral to another professional.

Can you write me an accommodations letter?

I’m happy to write you an accommodations letter but can’t guarantee it’ll be accepted. Some workplaces or schools will accept a letter from a master’s level mental health professional, but many don’t. Please check with your work or school beforehand to find out if they’ll accept a letter from a master’s level clinical social worker.

If you need disability benefits, while I wish I could help out, only licensed psychologists or MDs can write letters for SSI or SSD.

How much does it cost?

The total cost is $850 and includes an initial 30 minute consultation, two 75 minute appointments to complete the MIGDAS-2 evaluation, one 50 minute feedback session, brief screenings to assess for co-occurring diagnoses, and a written report (usually between 5 and 8 pages). You will be charged in two parts: $300 after each 75 minute appointment hour appointment and $250 after the final feedback session. Any additional written materials that are requested (like accommodations letters) will be charged my pro-rated hourly fee for however much time it takes to complete.

How do I schedule?

You can email me or fill out this contact form. I’ll get back to you within 3 to 4 business days. I look forward on supporting you on this journey!

Schedule an Assessment