Autism Assessments for Women

Questions About Autism Assessments

Do you provide Autism Assessments for Women?

Yes, if you live in California, I provide assessments for Autism in women. If you don’t live in California, you can still book a consultation with me, but I can only provide a diagnosis for those who live in California (where I’m licensed).

What type of assessment do you offer?

Assessments involve at least four collaborative one-on-one video sessions, allowing me to understand your internal experiences thoroughly. This personalized approach is crucial for accurately diagnosing Autism in adult women, as past criteria have been inaccurate for women. Some estimates say that about 80% of Autistic women are undiagnosed! Working with a practitioner who is well-versed in recognizing the nuances of Autism in adult women is essential. My assessment is tailored to uncover the intricacies often present in women, offering a more comprehensive understanding of your unique neurodivergent profile. The categories we would be discussing in an assessment include…

Childhood social experiences

Adult social experiences

Sensory experiences (sensitivities and preferences)

Cognitive style in relation to passions

Cognitive style in relation to structure/routine/etc.

Is it important to get a diagnosis even as an adult?

Getting a diagnosis of Autism as an adult can be important for several reasons:

1. Self-Understanding and Identity:

   • An Autism diagnosis can provide clarity and insight into an individual's unique way of processing information, socializing, and experiencing the world. It helps individuals better understand themselves, their strengths, and their challenges.

2. Validation and Acceptance:

   • For many adults, receiving an Autism diagnosis provides a sense of validation for the challenges they may have faced throughout their lives. It can be a crucial step toward self-acceptance and understanding that their experiences are valid and shared by others.

3. Navigating Social and Professional Relationships:

   • Understanding one's neurodivergence can assist in navigating social and professional relationships. It can help individuals communicate their needs, preferences, and challenges to others, fostering better understanding and support from friends, family, colleagues, and employers.

4. Mental Health and Well-being:

   • Many adults with Autism may experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression, related to the stress of navigating a neurotypical world. A diagnosis can guide appropriate mental health interventions, ensuring individuals receive the support they need for their overall well-being.

5. Accommodations in Education and Work:

   • With a diagnosis, one may find it easier to request accommodations in educational settings and the workplace, including modified work environments, flexible schedules, or specific strategies to enhance learning and productivity.

6. Community and Connection:

   • Being part of the Autistic community can provide a sense of belonging and connection. It offers the opportunity to share experiences, strategies, and support with others who have similar perspectives, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.

7. Personal Growth and Development:

   • Armed with self-awareness and understanding, individuals with an Autism diagnosis can embark on a journey of personal growth and development. They can focus on building strengths, acquiring coping strategies, and setting realistic goals aligned with their unique attributes.

In essence, obtaining an Autism diagnosis as an adult is a personal choice that can significantly impact various aspects of one's life, leading to increased self-awareness, access to support, and the potential for a more fulfilling and empowered life journey.

Do you need a formal written report with an Autism diagnosis?

If you're looking to understand whether you might be Autistic for personal reasons, undergoing an assessment with me is a suitable option. However, if you need a written report for submission to a school or a government agency to secure accommodations or services, in that case, opting for a formal neuropsychological assessment that concludes with a comprehensive written report is advisable. Many colleges mandate an assessment report for accessing accommodations, so ensuring compliance is important.

Do you provide a formal written report with a diagnosis of Autism?

No, I do not include a formal written report to make the diagnostic assessment more affordable.

What is the benefit of completing an Autism assessment without a formal written report?

Most assessment practitioners in California don't accept insurance, and undergoing a private assessment can range from $5,000 to $10,000. This fee covers intake, one or two testing sessions, and a written report. Most of the cost is for the practitioner's work outside sessions, such as scoring assessment measures and writing the report.

In contrast, an assessment with me is priced between $1,400 and $2,100. An adult autism test with me spans four to six weekly sessions. The affordability is achieved by streamlining the assessment process to these collaborative sessions, with some brief time outside of sessions for me to reflect on the collected data. As no written report is provided at the end of the process, this approach saves you thousands of dollars on your adult autism assessment. It has been important for me to make these assessments more affordable and accessible.

Conducting the assessment in this manner allows me to build a deeper understanding of you over the course of several weeks. This gradual approach fosters a sense of comfort and encourages you to become progressively more vulnerable and authentic in our sessions, a crucial element for accurate identification. The extended timeframe also allows for gathering a more diverse range of data, significantly enhancing the accuracy of identifying autism, particularly in women.

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Questions?

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