Unveiling the Path: Understanding Autism Testing in a Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Practice
Ready to explore your options and see if Autism testing is the next step for you? Let’s explore what an evaluation looks like within a neurodivergent affirming therapy practice. From the first inquiry to the conclusive findings meeting, each step is designed with care and precision to support individuals seeking clarity and understanding. We hope that this sheds light on the nuanced process of autism testing, detailing the significance of assessments and the empowering nature of a neurodivergent affirming approach.
Navigating the Autism Testing Process: Journey Overview
Initiating the Process
Engagement with the Practice
First, you will start your journey by exploring the therapy practice website and connecting with Ashley, our practice manager after completing an inquiry on our Contact page. Ashley guides you through the initial details and outlines the process ahead.
Completing Intake Paperwork
Utilizing the streamlined platform of Simple Practice, you will then provide essential information to facilitate the assessment process, ensuring a personalized and supportive experience.
Initial Consultation and Scheduling
Free Consultation with Dr. Hogan
The journey begins with a 15-minute consultation with Dr. Hogan. This meeting serves as a valuable opportunity to discuss the process, address any concerns, and determine the most suitable path forward. It is completely fine if you feel that we are not your best fit, we are happy to make referrals!
Scheduling the First Appointment
After your consultation, you will receive a post-consultation follow up email, if you are ready to move forward with us, you will complete a form to schedule your initial appointment, marking the official commencement of your assessment journey! You can also decide to hold off for a period of time using our Talk to You Later form and we will reach back out when you are ready!
Clinical Assessments and Meetings
Meet the Assessment Team
Get ready to meet your team! Building rapport and trust becomes pivotal as you embark on the clinical assessment phase- this is a MASK FREE ZONE (if comfortable, of course)!
In-depth Clinical Interviews
We begin with a comprehensive clinical interview, clients will share their experiences, allowing for a nuanced understanding of their autistic traits, strengths, and challenges.
Dedicated Sessions
Over the course of 4-6 weeks, you will engage in two-hour appointments. These sessions encompass a diverse array of tailored clinical assessments meticulously designed to uncover and understand the individual's unique neurodivergent profile. These session will include our core battery and some supplementary assessments if needed!
Core Battery Assessments
Included in our core battery is the MIGDAS-2, Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2), Sensory Profile (SPM-2), and Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Each assessment within the battery serves a specific purpose, contributing vital insights into autistic traits and experiences, personality, and sensory profile. We don’t just rely on our observations of you, but instead we focus on your lived experiences, which sets us apart in the autism assessment world.
Supplementary Assessments' Significance
We also invite clients to complete several optional screeners, such as the RAADS-R, Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CATQ), Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire (EDA-Q), and Monotropism Questionnaire. This can give us hints into your masking patterns, screen for a Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) profile, and delve deeper into autistic traits and experiences.
Findings Meeting and Empowerment
The findings meeting marks a pivotal moment. Here, you will receive a comprehensive understanding of the assessments conducted, the diagnosis, and the implications. This is when you will debrief with your assessor and unpack your results. It’s a moment of clarity and validation. Beyond the diagnosis, you are equipped with extensive documentation of the results and a plethora of resources tailored to support your unique neurodivergent journey.
The Essence of working with a Neurodivergent Affirming Practice
Our practice emphasizes a holistic and supportive environment, acknowledging and embracing neurodivergent experiences throughout the assessment journey. Our individualized and tailored approach means that interactions and assessments are personalized, validating an individual's neurodivergent identity and catering to their specific needs. We seek to empower you with knowledge. You are not merely diagnosed but empowered with comprehensive information, resources, and a supportive network to navigate their neurodivergent journey confidently.
The path to diagnosing Autism within a neurodiversity affirming therapy practice is a guided expedition, tailored to empower individuals seeking clarity and validation. From the initial inquiry to the conclusive findings meeting, every step is a testament to the practice's commitment to support and affirm the neurodivergent community.
If you believe you may have been overlooked by traditional therapists or misdiagnosed and could be an autistic adult, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information about autism assessment.
