Should I Get an Evaluation?
First noticing you might be ADHD or Autistic...
Everyone has their own journey in noticing and learning about their neurodivergence.
For some, it begins when a family member or friend is diagnosed—and something clicks. Others may have a therapist or doctor who raises the possibility. Many come across stories from neurodivergent people online and feel a powerful sense of kinship. And some… have always kind of known.
This first moment of recognition is often the scariest, and the most meaningful. It marks the beginning of a new kind of self-understanding.
Am I valid without a diagnosis?
Yes.
A diagnosis is not required for your experience to be real, or for your neurodivergent identity to be meaningful. You belong in neurodivergent spaces.
For many people, simply learning about ADHD or Autism can offer powerful tools: community, self-compassion, language, and insight.
It’s also important to name the systemic barriers that many people face. Gender-expansive folks, BIPOC, disabled people, and others are often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood in clinical settings. Others may feel unsafe seeking a formal diagnosis—or may choose not to have it on their medical record.
What can I do without a diagnosis?
Even without a formal evaluation, you can:
Explore your identity and personal history through a neurodivergent lens
Practice self-accommodation in your daily routines
Use language that feels affirming and accurate to you
Connect with others who understand
Live more authentically, with less pressure to mask or conform
Self-knowledge and self-trust are powerful forms of care—with or without a label.
What can an evaluation offer?
An evaluation can be an act of clarity, care, and reflection. It offers a structured space to explore your experiences with someone trained to notice patterns, ask thoughtful questions, and hold your story with respect.
An evaluation can help you:
Better understand how you move through the world
Learn more about ADHD and/or Autism across your lifespan
Clarify what supports or accommodations might help
Access external validation—if and when it’s needed
But it’s important to know:
Evaluations don’t always lead to a diagnosis
Regardless of outcome, the goal is to connect you with understanding and support
A well-done evaluation can still offer clarity and direction, even without a formal label
What does a diagnosis do?
A diagnosis can open doors—internally and externally.
It can be deeply validating to finally have language for your experience. It may also help others (family, partners, employers, providers) better understand you.
A diagnosis can help you:
Request formal accommodations at work, school, or in therapy
Access certain programs, services, or legal protections
Feel more confident in self-advocacy and boundary-setting
When might I need more than a private evaluation?
If you’re seeking:
Developmental Disability (DD) services
Social Security Disability (SSDI)
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for children or teens
…these often require evaluations from specific programs or designated providers. I can help guide you toward those options if needed.
What can I ask during an evaluation?
This is your process—and your questions are welcome.
You might ask:
What kinds of accommodations might be helpful for me?
What supports are available to adults with ADHD or Autism?
How can I talk to others about what I’m learning?
Where can I find affirming communities or providers?
Wherever you are, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re ready for an evaluation, curious about consultations, or still sitting with the question, “Is this me?”—you’re welcome here.
With warmth,
Fennel
Unfurling Ferns Therapy
