Hey! Have you been wondering if you have autism or ADHD?
Unpolished Journey offers complete neurodiversity-affirming diagnostic assessments of autism and ADHD for folks who are verbal, 16 and older, and are in Colorado. These assessments are for anyone curious about their unique neurodivergence and are seeking official confirmation about their diagnostic presentation.
The Process
In an effort to provide more inclusive, affirming, and effective treatment in the mental health field, I've started to offer neurodiversity-affirming assessments for folks in Colorado. Neurodiversity assessment is a term that really just means an assessment that puts YOU at the forefront. I want to explore your potential neurodivergence in a respectful way that highlights your strengths instead of your deficits.
The assessment process will vary depending on whether you're seeking a diagnosis for personal confirmation or to receive accommodations at work or school, as Unpolished Journey does not provide neuropsychological assessments. Institutions like government agencies or universities vary in the requirements needed. So if you're seeking an evaluation for this purpose, I encourage you to ask the program or institution what they require for access before starting.
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Otherwise, keep exploring this page for all the fun logistics and information needed before booking an assessment.
The Full Rundown
The neurodiversity movement, a social justice initiative promoting the acknowledgment, acceptance, and inclusion of people with neurological differences, has allowed more people to acknowledge their potential neurodivergence. If that's you, then an assessment can be a great tool to learn about yourself while also opening up resources for support moving forward.
Type of Assessment Offered
*Formal and Comprehensive Assessment for Autism and ADHD
What's Included?
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Self-administered assessment tools: AQ, CAT-Q, and more
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Provider-administered quantitative assessment and screening tools: Brown ADD scale, MIGDAS-2, and more
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Virtual diagnostic interview that includes screening questions for differential diagnoses such as OCD, CPTSD, anxiety, or depression
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Collateral information from partner, friend, or family (optional for individuals over 18)
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10+ page comprehensive diagnostic report
Why Don't You Just Offer autism or ADHD as standalone assessments?
Research shows that there's a 50-70% overlap rate between autism and ADHD. Due to the significant similarities in how these traits can present, I assess both at the same time. I want to give people the most comprehensive look at their potential neurodivergence, and for me, that means not excluding one or the other. If you already have an ADHD diagnosis and are just curious about autism (or vice versa), we can discuss this further. I will still complete the full diagnostic process, but we can modify certain areas to streamline your experience.
What's a Differential Diagnosis?
A differential diagnosis is where a clinician uses different screening tools and questions to determine the most likely cause of someone's symptoms. My assessment process uses tools to differentiate between OCD, (C)PSTD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and borderline personality disorder so that I do my due diligence in finding out your full diagnostic profile.
Conditions like OCD or PTSD can often co-occur with autism and ADHD. In the same way, OCD, anxiety, PTSD, and many other disorders can mirror lesser-known autistic or ADHD traits that are seen in folks assigned female at birth or those with other marginalized identities. This can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis of autism and ADHD as other mental health disorders.
What are the Steps to Getting Assessed?
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Step 1: Schedule your 2-3 hour diagnostic interview appointment by completing the form below. I will send you optional dates and times for an appointment, and once it's scheduled, you'll get a confirmation email.
Step 2: Before your interview, an email will be sent with a link to a private client portal where you will sign the initial paperwork and follow instructions for completing the self-assessments and inventories. The self-assessments must be completed 72 hours before your interview appointment. If you're having trouble, reach out, and we'll work together to get them completed and uploaded.
Step 3: 2-3 hour virtual diagnostic interview. Yes, that's right, it can take up to three hours. It's long, but we'll take periodic breaks to make it more manageable. Fidgets and any other accommodations are welcome.
Step 4: (Optional) I will send inventories to a close friend, partner, or family member for them to complete and return to me.
Step 5: Schedule and attend a 1-hour virtual diagnostic follow-up where we discuss the assessment findings, talk through any questions, and explore recommendations and
resources.
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***Disclaimer: Completing an assessment does not guarantee a diagnosis of autism or ADHD. Also, a diagnosis of autism or ADHD does not guarantee any accommodations, disability coverage, or other resources.
Sounds great, but what does it cost?
Formal and Comprehensive Autism and ADHD Assessment Rate: $2,000
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This includes a full diagnostic report (10+ pages) with a written discussion of your personal reference and records.
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All services at Unpolished Journey are private pay only, and I do not work directly with insurance. Payment plans are available for those in need.
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Why don't you take insurance or offer superbills for assessments?
I want to be allowed to offer you an assessment process that is not only inclusive and collaborative but on your own terms. I don't want insurance companies dictating how I complete assessments, nor do I want to submit your information to an insurance company for them to keep on record, which can lead to possible barriers for you down the road.
What makes an assessment neurodiversity affirming?
A neurodiversity-affirming assessment is a process where a qualified mental health provider assesses for a diagnosis in a way that acknowledges and respects your neurodivergence. A neurodiversity-affirming assessment views any neurological differences as unique variations rather than deficits to be “fixed”. It focuses on understanding and supporting you toward an accurate diagnosis so that you can better understand yourself, embrace your differences, and affirm your identity.
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Here are some key aspects of neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism and ADHD:
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Focus on strengths. Unlike the traditional diagnosing process, neurodiversity-affirming approaches focus on the unique strengths and abilities that accompany neurodivergence rather than just assessing for challenges or deficits.
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Respectful and inclusive language. Language used in neurodiversity-affirming assessments is inclusive, person-centered, and respectful of your identity.
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Individualized perspective. The assessment process is tailored to meet the needs and expectations of each person.
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Collaboration with the individual. The assessment incorporates previous self-assessment tools that you have completed into the diagnostic process. It also engages in a discussion about your diagnosis and how you want to be supported.
Benefits of Receiving a Diagnosis
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Official confirmation for your questions
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Answers questions and opens doors
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A multi-page resource to understand how your diagnosis shows up
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Identity confirmation
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Validation
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A context for your behaviors
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An understanding of why specific experiences are challenging
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Self-acceptance
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Resources and recommendations for moving forward ​
Ethical Considerations
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Mandatory record. There are seven states where it is mandatory to report an autism diagnosis. (Colorado is not one of them.)
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Disability application. A diagnosis done by a masters level clinician (which I am) won’t be accepted if you’re applying for government disability
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Cost. The cost of an out of pocket assessment can be very expensive.
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Insurance. If you choose to go through insurance, waitlists are often very long. The provider might not have gone through a neurodiversity-affirming training and be unable to identify high-masked individuals. Also, insurance companies will have a record of your official diagnosis.
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Immigration. An official diagnosis of autism can make it more difficult to immigrate to certain countries, especially those with universal healthcare.
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Life insurance. If you have an official diagnosis of autism or ADHD and try to get a private life insurance plan, the rates will likely go up and might be hard for you to afford.
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Stigma. Though the neurodiversity movement is helping spread awareness about neurodivergence, there is still a stigma associated with autism and ADHD.