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 three-session 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 to Expect
A Three-Session Process (45 Minutes Each)
Session 1 & 2:
We’ll explore your:
• Social experiences and communication style
• Sensory processing and regulation
• Cognitive traits and emotional world
• Identity development and masking
• Burnout history, relationship dynamics, and special interests
I’ll guide you with gentle, thoughtful questions in a safe and validating space.
Session 3:
Between sessions, I carefully review all we’ve explored. Then, we meet again to reflect on the traits I’ve identified and help you understand your experience through a neurodivergent-affirming lens.
There’s space for discussion, emotional support, and all your questions.
💛 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.
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.”
Assessment Price
$900 Includes three 45-minute video sessions
After purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a scheduling code to choose your preferred times.
Still Have Questions?
📖 Read my Frequently Asked Questions below
Contact us here
Frequently Asked Questions
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Assessments for diagnosing Autism involve three one-on-one video sessions. I delve into your internal world during these assessments to thoroughly understand your experiences. This personalized approach is essential for accurately diagnosing adults, especially women, as past criteria have often been inaccurate. Working with a practitioner who recognizes the nuances of autism in adults is crucial. I also provide time to process any emotions that may arise. As a late-diagnosed autistic woman myself, I understand this experience and enjoy nurturing others through it. Understanding ourselves better is a liberating experience.
Generally, we will discuss the following:
Sensory experiences: your sensitivities and preferences.
Cognitive style: passions, structure, routine, etc.
Social experiences: childhood and adult.
Answering your questions.
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Traveling to California for Your Assessment?
You’ll need to schedule three sessions:
• The first two focus on gathering information through questions.
• The third session is when I share your assessment results and leave space for processing and questions.
Scheduling Options
Option 1: Flexible
• Schedule the first two sessions back-to-back with a 15-minute break, then the final session on a separate day.
• Alternatively, space all three sessions across separate days.
• If possible, I recommend resting before and after your sessions for travel recovery and rest.
Option 2: Limited Time (1-3 Days)
• Schedule the first two sessions back-to-back on the same day, with a 15-minute break. The final session can be the next day or the day after.
• If you only have one day, we can schedule the first two sessions in the morning and the final session a few hours later (please confirm my availability). This gives me time to review my notes and allows you a break before the final session.
Scheduling & Availability
• After purchasing the assessment, you’ll receive a code to schedule your sessions.
• If back-to-back sessions aren’t available, book two separate times on the same day and reach out—I can often adjust my schedule.
• If you have a strict schedule, contact me in advance to confirm availability.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
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Most assessment practitioners in California don't accept insurance, and undergoing a private assessment can range from $5,000 to $10,000. 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 costs $900 (3 collaborative sessions). Most of the time, 3 sessions are enough. 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 this way allows me to understand you better from several conversations. 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 the sensitive.
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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, 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.
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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.