Autism Assessments with Julie Bjelland, LMFT
“Comforting, safe, validating, and supportive.”
A Gentle, Supportive Path to Understanding Yourself
I offer autism assessments through a nurturing, collaborative video process—available to anyone who can be in California at the time of assessment. Residency is not required.
As a late-discovered autistic person, I know how life-changing it is to finally understand yourself through the right lens. My assessments are grounded in compassion, lived experience, and neurodiversity-affirming care.
Many of us were missed in childhood because traditional criteria didn’t reflect our experiences. My method explores the internal, nuanced traits of autism in sensitive and neurodivergent adults—especially those with what I call the sensitive autistic phenotype.
In this space, you’ll be heard, seen, and deeply understood.
What Others Say
💬 “I finally feel kind toward myself.”
💬 “It proved my needs are valid and real.”
💬 “I understand why I feel overwhelmed so often.”
💬 “My relationships improved.”
💬 “I stopped feeling ashamed of who I am.”
💬 “It saved me from autistic burnout.”
💬 “This diagnosis helped me live my best life.”
What to Expect
A Comprehensive Session (2 hours and 15 minutes total)
with built-in breaks
This single-session format includes three distinct parts, paced gently and supportively. Throughout the process, there is space for emotional support and your questions.
Part 1 (40 minutes):
We’ll begin by reviewing the process and going over informed consent. Then, we’ll begin the assessment by exploring your inner world through a neurodivergent-affirming lens. This will include your social experiences, communication style, sensory processing, cognitive traits, routines, special interests, and more.
I’ll guide you with gentle, thoughtful questions in a safe and validating space.
10-minute break
A short pause to rest, have a snack, use the restroom, or move your body.
Part 2 (40 minutes):
We’ll continue exploring the traits and lived experiences that help inform the assessment, always at a pace that feels supportive and respectful of your process.
15-minute break
Part 3 (30 minutes):
We’ll review your evaluation results. This final segment offers space answering any questions you may have. If desired, we can also discuss next steps or follow-up options for continued support.💛
You’re always welcome to take breaks, ask questions, or express your needs at any time.
A Message From Julie
As a psychotherapist for many years—and someone who experienced the life-changing discovery of my own autism—I understand the depth of this journey.
You are not alone. I bring decades of experience supporting sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, and I know how often your experiences may have been overlooked.
People often tell me:
“I finally feel seen. Understood. Validated—for the first time in my life.”
Have You Been Wondering If You’re Autistic?
Many of the people I work with have spent years reading, researching, and resonating with stories of autistic adults.
You might’ve heard me share my own story—on my podcast or in an interview—and felt something click.
Maybe you’ve wondered:
Could this be me?
This assessment is for you if you're ready to explore that question in a compassionate and affirming space.
Why Diagnosis Matters
For many, receiving an autism diagnosis brings:
• Relief
• Validation
• Self-understanding
“Julie, your fearless story sparked my journey.
Today, I’m celebrating my first week of life with an official autism diagnosis.
It changed everything—and gave me hope again.”
My Approach Is Strengths-Based & Empowering
Autism is a natural brain difference—not a flaw.
When you understand yourself through this lens, it can shift everything:
✓ You stop blaming yourself.
✓ You stop masking to meet expectations.
✓ You begin to honor your sensory needs.
✓ You feel safe enough to rest, unmask, and thrive.
This process is about more than answers—
It’s about reclaiming your story and living more authentically.
Assessment Price $750
Have Questions?
Read my Frequently Asked Questions below 👇
Frequently Asked Questions
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Autism Assessments for Adults
My assessment process is designed to be validating, supportive, and deeply personalized. Rather than relying on outdated checklists or narrow criteria, I take time to understand your internal world—your lived experiences, how you process life, and what makes you uniquely you.
The assessment is conducted in one comprehensive video session (2 hours and 15 minutes total) with built-in breaks for rest and regulation. This extended, grounded format gives us the space to explore gently and thoroughly—something especially important for adults, and particularly women, whose traits have often been misunderstood or overlooked.
As a late-identified autistic woman myself, I know how powerful and emotional this discovery can be. My approach centers both clinical expertise and lived experience, offering education, emotional support, and space to process what arises.
What We’ll Explore Together:
Sensory experiences – sensitivities, preferences, and regulation strategies
Cognitive style – passions, routines, structure, and how your mind processes the world
Social experiences – from childhood to adulthood, including relationships and communication
Your questions and reflections – space for your voice and your process throughout
Working with someone who understands the nuances of autism in adults is key to an accurate and meaningful assessment. My goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered as you move forward with greater clarity and self-understanding.
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Traveling to California for Your Assessment?
Your autism assessment is offered in one comprehensive session (2 hours and 15 minutes total) with built-in breaks, allowing you to complete the entire process in a single day. This format is ideal for those traveling from out of town and provides time to reflect, rest, and ask questions throughout.
Scheduling Options
Option 1: Flexible Travel
• Schedule your session on a day when you can rest before and after, especially if you’re traveling a long distance.
• If you're staying multiple days, you can choose a day that works best for your energy and needs.
Scheduling & Availability
• If you need a specific date due to travel constraints, feel free to contact me in advance to confirm availability.
• If no ideal time appears in the scheduler, please reach out—I may be able to adjust my schedule.
Note: You must be physically located in California at the time of the session to comply with state licensing requirements. Residency is not required, but a California address must be provided at the time of the appointment.
Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’m here to help make this process as smooth and supportive as possible.
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Why This Assessment Is More Accessible—and Still Thorough
Most private adult autism assessments in California range from $5,000 to $10,000, largely due to extensive work done outside of sessions, including scoring standardized measures and writing detailed reports. These assessments often follow a clinical model that may not fully capture the nuanced experiences of sensitive or late-identified autistic adults.
In contrast, my assessment process is offered at $750 for one comprehensive session (2 hours and 15 minutes total). This includes exploration, integration, and reflection—with built-in breaks and space for emotional processing. The cost remains accessible by streamlining the process and focusing on collaborative, conversational assessment rather than lengthy written reports.
Instead of standardized testing, I rely on in-depth, guided dialogue tailored to your lived experience. While no formal written report is provided, you may request a simple letter stating the outcome of the assessment if needed.
This approach not only saves you thousands of dollars—it also fosters a more human, validating, and accurate process. By creating a space where you feel emotionally safe, seen, and respected, we’re able to gather richer insights. This model is especially supportive for those with sensitive nervous systems or a history of masking, and it often results in a more accurate identification of autism in adults.
Making this kind of assessment more affordable, affirming, and accessible is deeply important to me.
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My assessments are designed for personal understanding and self-discovery. They are ideal for individuals who want clarity about whether they may be autistic but do not require formal documentation for institutions. Upon request, I can provide a simple letter stating the diagnostic outcome.
I do not provide comprehensive written reports, which are sometimes required for schools, universities, or government agencies when applying for accommodations or services. These reports are time-intensive and expensive to produce, and I’ve intentionally structured my assessment process to be more accessible and cost-effective—without compromising on accuracy or depth.
If you believe you may need a formal report, it is your responsibility to check with the institution or agency to determine:
What type of documentation is required
Whether a specific type of provider is needed (e.g., medical doctor or psychiatrist)
If a comprehensive diagnostic report is necessary to access accommodations or services
My approach is rooted in deep clinical experience and lived understanding of adult autism. It offers an accurate, affirming assessment process without the financial burden of traditional diagnostic models—making it a meaningful option for those seeking insight, clarity, and validation.
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No, I do not include a formal written report to make the diagnostic assessment more affordable. I can offer a simple letter stating the diagnosis. If you need paperwork filled out I can do that for an extra fee.
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Getting a diagnosis of Autism as an adult can be important for several reasons:
Self-Understanding and Identity: An autistic 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.
Validation and Acceptance: For many adults, receiving an autistic 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.
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.
Mental Health and Well-being: Many autistic adults 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 well-being.
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.
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. I also offer an Autistic Women’s Support Group!
Personal Growth and Development: Armed with self-awareness and understanding, individuals with an autistic 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 autistic 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.
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No, we will be focusing exclusively on an Autism assessment.
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No, I specialize in diagnosing sensitive adults.
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Yes, you can also book consultation sessions with me from anywhere in the world. My mission is to help spread awareness and education about how autism presents differently in the sensitive, particularly women. If you are a mental or medical health provider, this information is important for you to have.
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No, residency is not required. My state license is in California so state requirements just need a California address of where you plan to be located during the video assessment.
Schedule an Assessment or Consultation
I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT
As an Autistic and Highly Sensitive Person and Licensed Psychotherapist, I specialize in supporting highly sensitive and late-identified autistic adults. My mission is to increase awareness, provide education, and create resources that empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
I take a compassionate, collaborative, and nurturing approach to the assessment process, creating a safe and validating space for self-discovery. Many describe the experience as life-changing, providing clarity, relief, and a deeper understanding of themselves.