• Diagnostic assessment is the process of determining if someone meets the clinical criteria for a diagnosis, like autism and ADHD.

• In our country, diagnostic assessment typically uses the DSM-5-TR criteria. When used directly, this language can feel pathologizing. In order to create a neuro-affirming experience, we designed an interview process that asks thoughtful, affirming questions, while ensuring we clinically meet the DSM criteria for autism. For ADHD, we use the Young DIVA-5 interview model. For both, we also invite clients to complete standardized measures; while optional, it gives the chance for additional data to support diagnosis, which colleges may expect. The tools we use were carefully selected to create an experience that leaves clients feeling genuinely seen and heard.

• We follow the Lived Experience Informed Practice model, meaning lived experience is the foundation for our diagnostic exploration. We then blend this with an understanding of your teen’s life circumstances, an intersectional lens, clinical best practice, and evidence-based research to make meaning.

• We engage our clients collaboratively during this process, which includes: gathering a detailed history through an intake questionnaire (required for the teen’s adult(s) and optional for the teen); completing self-assessments (optional for all); conducting a clinical interview session; and writing a detailed report that includes assessment outcomes, recommendations, and accommodation letters for college and/or work.

• Yes! In the Commonwealth of Virginia, under Virginia Code §54.1-3500, licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) can provide diagnostic services at the autonomous practice level and use the DSM for diagnostic assessment. (Learn more here.) We map our diagnostic reports back to the DSM-5-TR for this reason.

• Understanding the scope of an LCSW assessment:

  • LCSWs can diagnose conditions such as autism and ADHD. We can also administer clinical tools as part of the diagnostic process, such as: the DIVA-5 interview, SRS-2, SPM-2, Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile, CAARS-2/CONNERS-4, and Brown EF/A. However, we cannot provide neuropsychological and cognitive testing, nor prescribe medication.

  • In some situations, a doctorate-level provider may be required, such as when neuropsychological testing is specifically requested or for SSDI applications.

  • For most individuals seeking diagnostic clarity and teens desiring school accommodations, our assessment process provides exactly what is needed, including a comprehensive written report with a clinical diagnosis (when indicated), thoughtfully crafted recommendations and resources, and customized accommodation letters for work and school. We have found that most universities welcome accommodation letters from LCSWs, and we ensure that each letter is customized to the university’s specific requirements.

  • For teens, if high school accommodations are a goal, we recommend you discuss expectations with the school to ensure they accept an outside assessment and, if so, if they accept diagnoses from Masters-level clinicians. Our goal is ensuring our services help you reach your goals!

  • You may also choose to bring your report, if you were evaluated for ADHD, to a primary care physician or psychiatric provider to discuss medication management.

• This section contains a lot of info, but we include this for our fellow autistic/ADHD folx who benefit from clear, detailed expectations.

• You will complete our client inquiry form to let us know you would like to schedule. We will then email you with date/time options, and you will be expected to reply to schedule. We see clients on Fridays, usually scheduling about 1-3 months out.

• Once you schedule your teen’s session, you will be emailed a link through Carepatron, our HIPAA-compliant portal. This step also includes signing the consents and is due within two weeks of scheduling with us; if your teen is 14+ they will also have consents to sign. Please also let us know if your teen wants their own portal!

• You will also receive the intake questionnaire and invoice through the portal, as will your teen (their questionnaire is optional). Make sure you give yourself 1-2 hours for the questionnaire(s)! The completed questionnaire(s) and paid invoice are due at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled session. (If you choose split payment, the first payment is due 3 weeks prior to the session.)

• During the clinical interview session, your teen is invited to stim, move, eat and drink, take breaks, and care for themself in whatever ways they need. If in-person, our office has lots of comfy seating, plenty of fidgets to choose from, and adjustable lighting, as well as a waiting room for adult(s). Here is a picture of what our office looks like! They can also bring whatever they need to feel supported (fidgets, comfort items, food, drinks, etc.) and wear comfy clothes — we model inclusivity by doing the same!

• Within 2-4 weeks following the interview session, you and your teen will receive the written report via the portal, as well as an email with a guide explaining how read the report — see the question below for info about what that report includes!

• Once you’ve had time to read the report in detail, either of you might have questions or need additional support. You can email the clinician with questions or if edits are needed. Otherwise, these reports are designed to be used with your teen’s primary therapist.

Within 1-3 weeks of the interview session, you and your teen will receive a detailed written report, which is usually 30-50+ pages. While that may feel overwhelming, it’s meant to serve as a “guidebook” for ongoing identity development post-diagnosis; this is especially crucial for this age! When we provide the report, you will also receive an email with a guide that explains how to read and understand it.

The report will include any diagnoses, detailed notes from the interview session, any scores from standardized measures and interpretation of them, and a comprehensive resources and recommendations section to guide self-exploration. The report will also receive accommodation letters for both school and work, in case they need them! If they need these customized to meet specific school requirements, that’s included.

Finally, you’ll receive a “mini report” — this is a 3-4 page condensed version of the report (including diagnosis and an outline of the measures used for assessment) that can be provided to providers, therapists, etc. if they should want to share their diagnosis for any reason (medication management, ongoing therapy, etc.). Since the full report includes a lot of personal information from the interview session, the “mini report” mindfully allows you to share the diagnosis.

• We provide services both in-person and virtually via telehealth.

• Our office for in-person sessions is in Richmond, VA (Glen Allen area; address provided upon scheduling). We see clients from Virginia, as well as nearby states (DC, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, etc.) for in-person interview sessions.

• We also provide virtual sessions throughout Virginia, as long as the client is in the state at the time of the session. Our video conferencing platforms are secure and HIPAA-compliant.