FAQ: Adult Autism & ADHD Evaluations | Stephanie Palmer, PhD
About the Evaluation Process
What is a psychological evaluation for autism or ADHD? A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist to understand how your brain processes information, regulates attention and emotion, navigates social situations, and experiences the world. It involves a combination of structured interviews, standardized testing, questionnaires, and a review of your personal history. The goal isn't simply to arrive at a diagnosis — it's to build a detailed, individualized picture of how you think, learn, and function, and to give you language and clear recommendations for moving forward.
How is your evaluation different from an online quiz or screener? Online screeners can be a useful first step in recognizing that something may be worth exploring, but they are not diagnostic tools. A comprehensive psychological evaluation involves structured assessment, normed and validated testing instruments, clinical judgment developed over years of training and experience, and a detailed written report with personalized recommendations. It is the only tool that can provide a formal diagnosis that is recognized by employers, schools, healthcare providers, and legal systems.
How long does the evaluation process take? The timeline varies depending on the type of evaluation. An ADHD-only evaluation typically takes less time than a combined autism and ADHD evaluation. From initial contact through the delivery of your final report, most clients complete the process within a few weeks. I'll give you a clear sense of timing during our initial consultation.
What does the evaluation actually involve? The process generally includes an intake interview where we discuss your history and current concerns, standardized testing sessions, rating scales and questionnaires completed by you and sometimes a person who knows you well, and a feedback session where I walk you through your results. You'll leave the process with a comprehensive written report that explains the findings in plain language and includes individualized recommendations.
Do I need to prepare anything before my evaluation? No special preparation is needed. I may ask you to gather some background information, such as prior evaluations, or medical records, or invite you to ask family to contribute their perspectives, but this is never required. The most useful thing you can bring is your own honest account of your experiences. There are no right or wrong answers. You are the expert in your own experiences!
What states does Dr. Palmer provide assessments in? I see clients both in person in the Austin, Texas area and virtually. Through PSYPACT, I am authorized to provide telehealth evaluations and therapy in 43 states and jurisdictions, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. If you're unsure whether your state is included, feel free to reach out.
About Autism and ADHD in Adults
Can adults really be diagnosed with autism or ADHD for the first time? Absolutely — and it happens more often than many people expect. Many adults, particularly those who are high-achieving, high-masking, or who grew up female, were simply not identified earlier in life. Diagnostic criteria and clinical awareness have evolved significantly, and many patterns that were missed in childhood are now much better understood. It is never too late to get answers.
What does "masking" mean, and how does it affect diagnosis? Masking refers to the process of consciously or unconsciously hiding or suppressing autistic or ADHD traits in order to blend in socially or meet external expectations. Many adults have masked so effectively for so long that their challenges are invisible to others — and sometimes even to themselves. Standard evaluations that rely heavily on visible behavioral signs can miss high-masking individuals entirely. My evaluations are specifically designed to look beneath the surface and account for the cost of masking over time.
What's the difference between autism and ADHD? Can someone have both? Autism and ADHD are distinct neurological profiles, but they share some overlapping features — such as difficulties with executive function, emotional regulation, and social navigation — which can make them challenging to distinguish without thorough assessment. Yes, a person can have both, and in fact co-occurrence is quite common. A comprehensive evaluation looks carefully at the full picture rather than forcing a either/or conclusion.
I've already been diagnosed with anxiety or depression. Could I still be autistic or have ADHD? Yes. Anxiety and depression are extremely common in autistic and ADHD adults — often as a result of years of struggling without understanding why, or without adequate support. These diagnoses are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many of my clients come to me after years of treating anxiety or depression that never quite resolved, because the underlying neurotype was never identified or addressed.
Is a diagnosis actually useful as an adult? What changes? For many people, a diagnosis is profoundly clarifying. It reframes a lifetime of experiences — the exhaustion, the self-doubt, the sense of being out of step — in a way that promotes self-compassion rather than self-blame. Practically speaking, a diagnosis can open doors to workplace and academic accommodations, inform treatment decisions, and help your relationships when partners, family members, or colleagues better understand how you're wired. Many of my clients describe the evaluation process itself as one of the most validating experiences of their lives.
About My Practice
Who do you typically work with? I specialize in adults — particularly those who suspect they may be autistic, have ADHD, or both, and who are seeking a thorough, private, and affirming evaluation. I also work with couples, individuals navigating life transitions, and people dealing with infertility, grief, burnout, and identity questions. Many of my clients are thoughtful, introspective people who have spent a long time trying to figure out why life feels the way it does.
Where are you located, and do you offer telehealth? I am based in the Austin, Texas area and see clients both in person and virtually. Through PSYPACT, I am authorized to provide telehealth services in 43 states and jurisdictions, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. If you're not sure whether your location is covered, please reach out.
Do you accept insurance? My evaluation services are private pay. This is a deliberate choice. It means your diagnostic information stays between us and is not shared with your insurance company or entered into systems beyond your control. Many clients find this particularly important when seeking an autism or ADHD diagnosis as an adult, where privacy and autonomy over one's own records matter deeply. I am happy to provide documentation you can submit for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan allows for it.
About Fees and Next Steps
How much does an evaluation cost? An ADHD-only evaluation is $1,200. A comprehensive autism and ADHD evaluation is $2,200. Fees are private pay. I do not bill insurance directly, but I can provide documentation for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
What do I get at the end of the evaluation? You receive a comprehensive written report that explains your results in plain, accessible language — not clinical jargon. The report includes a clear statement of findings, an explanation of your cognitive and neurological profile, and individualized recommendations tailored to your life, your goals, and your circumstances. If you need documentation for workplace or academic accommodations, the report is designed to support that as well.
Do you provide letters for workplace or academic accommodations? Yes. My reports include documentation that can be used to request accommodations at work or in academic settings. This is one of the most common practical reasons adults seek an evaluation, and I write with that need in mind.
How do I get started? The first step is a brief consultation — no pressure, no commitment, just a chance to ask questions and see whether this feels like the right fit. You can reach me by email at support@stephanie-palmer-phd.com or by phone at (512) 516-9958.
You don't need to have it all figured out before you reach out. Curiosity is enough to begin.