Autism Assessments for women

Yes, I provide autism assessments for women in California. If you don’t live in California, you can book a consultation with me, and I can help you determine if you have autistic traits, but I can only provide a diagnosis for those who live in California (where I’m licensed).

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 autism in women, as past criteria have often been inaccurate. Working with a practitioner who recognizes the nuances of autism in adult women 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.

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 $1,125 (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 women.

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.

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.

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.

No, we will be focusing exclusively on an Autism assessment.

No, I specialize in diagnosing adult women.

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 women. If you are a mental or medical health provider, this information is important for you to have.