Autism Evaluations

• Are you seeking a therapeutic, intentional, and strengths-based process ?
• Are you seeking to better understand yourself and how you navigate the world?
• Do you have other family members diagnosed (self or professionally) as autistic or ADHD and have noticed similarities in your lived experiences?
• Have you taken self-assessments online but desire an affirming process of official diagnosis?
• Do you have ADHD or other diagnoses but feel like they don't fully explain the complexity of your lived experience?

Both the ADOS-2 and the MIGDAS-2 are valid but different tools for assessing autism. 

The ADOS-2 is a structured, examiner driven social communication measure whereas the MIGDAS-2 is a sensory-based diagnostic interview. The MIGDAS-2 also provides detailed information on sensory behaviors, preferences, sensitivities, and routines that can be missed during the ADOS-2 module administration. 

Additionally, high camouflaging/masking and high IQ adults are frequently missed when evaluated with the ADOS-2 because they know what they "should" say or do. The MIGDAS-2 works really well with twice exceptional individuals, as there is a focus creating space for the individual to share their lived-experience and areas of interest. Autistic adults report that the MIGDAS-2's focus on inviting a conversation and the exploration of areas of interest is a more affirming process, whereas autistic adults have reported that the ADOS-2 can feel like it's placing artificial performance demands on them. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, the MIGDAS-2's diagnostic interview is more in line with both my worldview on neurodiversity and with my own client-centered clinical practice. 

Most importantly, we have chosen to center the voices of actually autistic clinicians and clients who continue to assert that the MIGDAS-2 is the more neurodiversity affirming measure. 

Here's some additional thoughts on the ADOS-2 and adults: https://drdevon.com/guest-mythbuster-post-is-the-ados-2-really-the-gold-standard-in-autism-assessment/?fbclid=IwAR3hoVtdUk6ig_LZAmSI_n3BRuNTl_WVZ6zj3XMWt2umyRNMSGmt1RxBS0w

Autism and ADHD can be diagnosed by psychologists, neurologists, nurse practitioners, therapists/counselors, and medical doctors, as long as it is within their scope of practice. In the states of Florida & Georgia, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists are qualified to engage in assessment and provide diagnosis. Heather is considered a level C evaluator by the major testing companies. 

If you are getting an evaluation for a specific purpose (i.e., workplace accommodation, school support, a referral from your doctor, etc.), check with them to see if they have specific requirements as to who they prefer to diagnose you. In some cases (disability benefits being one of them), a comprehensive psychological assessment is likely the preferred option. 

The Adult Autism Evaluation can usually be completed within 4-6 weeks depending on current scheduling times. 

Comprehensive Adult Autism + ADHD Evaluations may take longer depending on how quickly you're able to get the paperwork and behavior rating scales completed as well as do the QbTest. 

Please reach out for current scheduling and turnaround times. 

No, the evaluation does not guarantee a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In order for a diagnosis to be made, you must meet the clinical criteria in the DSM-5. 

https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/dsm-5-criteria-for-autism-explained-in-picture-form

https://www.ndbh.com/Docs/PCP/6-22-2020/ASD%20DSM5%20Checklist-fillable3.pdf

Head over to https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests/ to take some online assessments which may help you decide whether self-diagnosis is sufficient or whether you would prefer to seek an official diagnostic evaluation. We generally recommend that people start by taking the RAADS-R and CAT-Q. 

The Resources page also has more information about Neurodiversity. 

Autism Evaluations are not sufficient to be used in the place of a complete psychological or neuropsychological testing for diagnosing for educational or insurance reimbursement purposes for minors. This evaluation is not sufficient for adults seeking Social Security Disability Insurance and such an evaluation should be completed by a doctoral level clinician. 

Most insurance companies and school districts require a complete neuroeducational or psychological evaluation to be completed in order for services to be covered under your insurance, for your child to receive accommodations in the schools, or to receive disability benefits. In these cases, we refer out to school psychologists or clinical psychologists who can provide these services. 

The Florida Department of Education's requirements can be found at: https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7567/urlt/1BTOC.PDF

The Georgia Department of Education's requirements can be found at:

http://archives.gadoe.org/DMGetDocument.aspx/Autism_eligibility_3-11-10.pdf?p=6CC6799F8C1371F68ED41AA6F919E8FF80855C47A88CC8D64AC212CA68770DA0&Type=D

That's a great question for your insurance company! Typically insurance does not cover these evaluations. 

No. However, we can help get you connected to our amazing network of prescribers (Pediatricians, Primary Care Physicians, APRNs, and Psychiatrists) as well as other allied health professionals.