• 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 DIVA-5 interview model. For both, we also invite clients to complete standardized measures; while this is optional, it gives the chance for additional data to support diagnosis. All of 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 life circumstances, an intersectional lens, clinical best practice, and evidence-based research to make meaning.

• We engage you collaboratively during this process, which includes: gathering a detailed history through an intake questionnaire; completing standardized measures (optional); conducting a clinical interview session; and writing a detailed report that includes assessment outcomes, recommendations, and accommodation letters for employment and/or education.

• 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.

• While LCSWs cannot conduct full neuropsychological testing, autism and ADHD assessment don’t require this for diagnosis. While there are some reasons a Doctorate-level provider may be necessary, such as when applying for SSDI, our method gives access to a clinical diagnosis, detailed written report, recommendations, and resources. We also can include accommodation letters for work and school (at no extra charge).

• 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 1-2 months out.

• Once you schedule your session, you will be emailed a link to join Carepatron, our HIPAA-compliant portal. This step also includes signing your consents and is due within two weeks of scheduling.

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

• During your clinical interview session, you are invited to move, stim, take breaks, and care for yourself in whatever ways you need. If in-person, our office has lots of comfy seating, plenty of fidgets to choose from, and adjustable lighting. Here is a picture of what it looks like! You can bring whatever you need to feel supported (fidgets, comfort items, food, drinks, etc.) and we invite you to wear comfy clothes — we model inclusivity by doing the same!

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

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

Within about 2-4 weeks of your interview session, you’ll receive your written report, which is around 30-50+ pages. While that may feel overwhelming, it’s meant to serve as your “guidebook” for ongoing identity development following diagnosis. When we provide your report, you’ll also receive guide for how to read and understand it.

Your report will include any diagnoses, detailed notes from your interview session, any scores from standardized measures and interpretation of them, and a comprehensive resources and recommendations section to guide your self-exploration.

You will also receive accommodation letters for both work and school, in case you ever need them! If you need these customized to meet specific requirements, that’s also included. (Note: These typically don’t list your diagnosis, just that you have an “ADA protected disability” unless you request the diagnosis to be included.)

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