Want to refer a client for evaluation?

Referrals from providers are not a requirement but are very helpful. If you have a client who you think is a good fit for an ADHD or Autism evaluation, you can:

• Send my website information to your client

• Send completed ROI form to communicate with client’s permission

Who is a good fit?

Your clients may be a good fit if:

• They self-identify as ADHD or Autistic, or suspect they may be

• You and your client have discussed potential ADHD and/or Autistic traits, and your client is seeking diagnosis.

• Your client may benefit from ADA accommodations in a college setting or workplace for ADHD and/or Autism
  

Things to consider:

ADHD and Autism evaluations are a significant investment of time, energy, and emotional investment. Assessments usually involve 6-8 hours of face-to-face meeting, involving clinical interviewing, reviewing self-report measures, structured diagnostic interviews (DIVA-5, MIGDAS-2), collateral interview (or screeners), and feedback & review appointments.

This process uses a significant amount of executive functioning and social energy to engage in. If this may pose a challenge to your client, consider if there are ways to support them, such as:

• Finding social support: Coordinating with a friend, partner, loved one to support with body-doubling when completing admin tasks (emails, phone calls, filling out forms)

• Executive functioning support — Discuss use of external reminders and tools to keep track of tasks relating to the evaluation (such as important deadlines/due dates, appointment times)
  

WHen may someone not be a good fit?

• Active substance-use challenges or in recovery for under a year. (Substance use can impact executive functioning, making differential diagnosis of SUD and ADHD challenging)

• Legal involvement (e.g custody disputes, ongoing lawsuit, etc) due to potential for subpoenas of records.

• Other mental health conditions that are primary issue and needing more support with—such as PTSD, Bipolar I/II, recent acute SI, hospitalizations or inpatient treatment.

• Does not meet enough criteria for ADHD or Autism on self-assessment screeners or based on DSM IV-TR criteria.

• Wanting ADHD/Autism evaluation to support with SSDI or Developmental Disability services. (Evaluations for SSDI and DD services are performed by specific professionals selected by the state; additionally, may require psychological testing such as Cognitive/IQ testing to rule-out other learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities)

• History of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting in changes in cognition and functioning.

Other considerations

If your client may qualify for an ADHD or Autism evaluation that is covered by their insurance, particularly Medicaid/OHP or Medicare, I encourage pursuing those options as they are more financially accessible.

Sliding scale/reduced-fee options are available but limited.