Autism Affirming Assessments

I still believe self-identification is a social justice issue. There are not enough assessment providers + the mental health profession has weaponize insurance and the DSM against us to gatekeep our neurotype. I decided to pursue making assessments available when I learned it was within the scope of my license to assess with the MIGDAS. I also understand I am one person in a very large + punishing system.

Here is a tool to aid in self-diagnosis if you choose that route.

​Assessment consists of:

• Completion of intake forms through Nebula Theraplatform (search your inbox + spam for Nebula or Theraplatform)

• Completion of tests through Embrace Autism. Specifically the RAADS-R, RB-Q2A, & CAT-Q

• MIGDAS assessment completed over 2 virtual sessions.

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I will also be asking you questions about childhood development. Gathering information from your family (blood or chosen), friends, + caregivers (which includes teachers, coaches, pastors) especially those who knew you as a child can be incredibly helpful to the assessment. You can also review childhood documentation such as diaries.

The caregiver questionnaire is no longer required for diagnosis.

I'm an Autistic Therapist who was diagnosed late in life at 34. The diagnosis included a children's book. I'm not going to use that assessment.

I'm going to strive to write an Affirming Assessment document. My goal with this document is that you can use it when you doubt yourself to affirm your identity. You may also give it to your PCP, psychiatrist, or therapist if you want to incorporate that into your care.

Good Faith Estimate for an Autism Assessment is $800 total. I bill folks in installments. Each virtual interview is $200 and $300  for the time it takes to review your documentation and take time to write an assessment.

Booking an assessment slot requires a $100 deposit due at scheduling. The deposit goes to the cost of your assessment.

During the second appointment we set a date for the write up payment.

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I have made a commitment that every quarter I will assess for sliding scale or free. I have some scripts below in the purple box.
 

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This is not covered by insurance.

This will be a queer + gender affirming assessment. You get to tell me who you are.

I've been working with the trans community for years and questioned my own gender identity especially as an Autistic person. I'm also queer/bisexual and have been part of the community since I was a teenager. I was a founding member of an LGBT center in Traverse city, Michigan.

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• Appointments are available  on Wednesdays. You book an appointment or email me. I will reach out via email to confirm times and instructions.

• You will receive forms you must complete 1 week prior to your appointment. They are lengthy. I would assume it will take you anywhere from 2-5 hours to complete this paperwork.

• Incomplete intake paperwork and unsigned consent forms will result in the cancellation of your appointment so that time can be offered to someone else

• Assessment requires two sessions that are 2 hours long each, a total of 4 hours.

• Completion of additional tests should take about an hour. These tests are: the RAADS-R, QAT-Q, and RB-Q2A.

• It takes me 1-3 months (spoons pending) to complete an assessment which is directly emailed to you + available by the portal.