What Happens During an Adult ADHD and Autism Evaluation?
If you’re considering an ADHD or autism evaluation as an adult, you may be wondering what the process actually looks like. It helps to know what to expect so you can relax and know you are in good hands.
Step 1: Complete Intake and Consent Forms
An intake form is a questionnaire with open-ended questions that allows you to explain more about your reason for seeking evaluation, a little about your life experiences, and what you hope to get out of your assessment. A formal psychological evaluation also requires that you complete a few consent forms so you are aware of your rights as a client, and the process of evaluation.
Step 2: Rating Scales
Standardized questionnaires help assess attention, executive functioning, social communication, and information about your interests and behaviors.
Step 3: Additional Assessment
I will invite you to ask someone close to you to complete questionnaires. It is often helpful to gather information from someone who knows you well as an adult, and someone who knew you well as a child (these can be the same person). We also may recommend cognitive or other executive functioning measures, as needed.
Step 4: Clinical Interviews
You will participate in two clinical interviews to explore more related to the information you provided in your intake and questionnaires. This is an opportunity for us to dive deeper together, to give you the opportunity to share your perspective and experiences in a supportive, neuro-affirming environment.
Step 5: Diagnostic Impressions
All the data is synthesized determine whether Autism and/ or ADHD is present and consider other factors.
Step 6: Feedback + Recommendations
You receive a clear explanation face-to-face, a confidential written report, and practical next steps.
