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About ADHD and ASD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD) are two conditions that can have a significant impact on someone’s daily life. Both conditions can make it difficult for people to focus, communicate effectively, and interact with others or the world, which can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and shame. However, with proper assessment and treatment, Autistic and/or ADHD adults can learn to manage their challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
I believe in everyone’s right to self-identify with an ADHD, Autism, or AuDHD (the combination of ADHD and Autistic traits) experience. If it’s helpful to have another set of eyes, heart, and brain to walk the self-realization path, I’m here. If you’re interested in a deeply thoughtful, thorough, and comprehensive look into your experience, I can offer that too. The comprehensive assessment I offer, whether it’s in the office or administered online, can help people better understand their traits and how they affect their daily lives. Crucially, a comprehensive assessment can also provide access to effective support options, such as medication, therapy, accommodations, or lifestyle changes, that can help with managing challenges and improving quality of life.
I offer 2 options for those wanting to explore their neurotype further, the details of which are below. For what it’s worth, it’s important to me that I do this work without the use of generative AI. You can find out more on why that matters to me on my Therapy page.
Option 1: Adult ADHD & Autism Screening
Overview: Quick glance, Skimming the surface
Time Commitment: 1 hour 15 minutes
Who is this for? This would be a great option for someone wanting a second-opinion of their self-identified traits, someone curious about exploring an assessment process without committing to a lot of time or money up-front, or someone who would like to utilize their insurance plan (please see my separate “Rates and Insurance” page to check if I’m in your network)
What comes with this option?
- The screening consists of questions regarding your traits, history, and challenges only in relation to ADHD and autism.
- A quick review of your information is compared to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
- There is typically little waiting time for scheduling the screening appointment.
- By the end of the appointment, I will discuss my conception of your traits so far and advise whether continuing with the diagnostic assessment (Option 2) is recommended based on what you’re looking for.
- Screenings can be submitted through insurance but CANNOT provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD and/or Autism
- Screenings do not provide a written summary of the appointment findings
Cost: $175 or can be billed through in-network insurance plans
Option 2: Comprehensive Adult ADHD & Autism Diagnostic Assessment (“Cherry AADI”)
Overview: A deeper dive
Time Commitment: 3 hours of interview either in office or online (can be broken into smaller chunks) + 45 minute follow-up session
Who is this for? This is a great option for people who are seeking whether they qualify for a diagnosis (and would be okay with receiving one at the end of the assessment). This assessment provides documentation and formality for those who may also be seeking specific supports that have additional requirements, like receiving medication, or seeking official accommodations through your school or workplace. Being assessed would also benefit those wanting a more thorough understanding of their traits and are wanting to explore what accommodations would match best with them.
What comes with this option?
- Developed by Lindley Cherry, LCMHC, QS, NCC, the Cherry Adult ADHD-Autism Diagnostic Interview is a clinical assessment method designed specifically for identifying ADHD, autism, and co-occurring presentations (AuDHD) in adults. Full details about the Cherry AADI can be found here: Therapist Learning Center
- Key Features:
- Adult-Centered Approach: Unlike tools designed for children and adapted for adults, the Cherry AADI was created specifically for adult presentations, accounting for masking throughout the lifespan, adaptive strategies, and life experience factors.
- Culturally Responsive: Incorporates considerations on culture, gender, and identity factors that influence neurodivergent presentation and recognition.
- Strengths-Based: Emphasizes each person’s unique neurotype and their environmental fit rather than through a deficit-focused perspective.
- Comprehensive Scope: Addresses not only core diagnostic criteria but also masking behaviors, sensory processing differences, and pathological demand avoidance patterns to ensure a holistic review of someone’s traits and experiences.
- Fee covers the time taken for the 3 hour assessment interview, all additional time spent completing documentation or related tasks, and the follow-up session.
- A thorough review of your information is cross-examined with common misdiagnoses then compared to DSM-5 -TR diagnostic criteria.
- A comprehensive diagnostic report based on the data acquired during the assessment process is completed and a copy is provided to you after the 45-minute follow-up session.
Cost: $1100 (can utilize payment plans or possibly insurance reimbursement for covering costs)
