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’ve researched autism and resonate with this unique brain style, then an assessment with me can provide formal validation and recommendations for understanding and accommodating your unique needs. Even if it turns out that you don’t meet criteria, I’ll still provide you with a report with personalized recommendations for your strengths and differences.
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?
The assessment consists of two parts. The first part is a 2 hour appointment that includes a brief overview of your mental health history and the MIGDAS-2 interview. Our second 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 diagnostic report outlining the results of the MIGDAS-2, standardized assessment measures, and recommendations for specific supports, and an accommodations letter (if needed and requested) 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 it varies. 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 $650 and includes a 2 hour assessment appointment with the MIGDAS-2 evaluation and a 50 minute feedback session. You will be charged in two parts: $450 after the 2 hour appointment and $200 after the feedback session.
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. Please note I generally only provide autism assessments on Thursdays between 11 am and 5 pm, with limited availability Monday through Wednesday.