You have a strong feeling that you are autistic and all of the online quizzes you’ve taken point in that direction. After a lifetime of masking and struggling to find your tribe, you want to know more about your neurotype and where you fit in. An autism diagnosis may be affirming and validating, putting you on a clearer path moving forward as you connect with the autistic community. Finding out you are not autistic may guide you in a different direction, leading you to discover other parts of yourself . I am here to help you on your journey of discovery.
I provide affordable, remote autism and ADHD testing for adults using the MIGDAS-2, SRS-2, RIAS-2, D-REF Adult, Brief Test of Attention, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. I was trained in the online administration of the MIGDAS-2 by the test’s developer. Neurodivergent affirming autism evaluations include tests of executive functioning and come with a full written report that can be used to get needed services. I also offer therapy for autistic individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD or other mental health concerns, or who are interested in learning relationship-building skills.
Understanding yourself better will provide you with the opportunity to find peace and learn new skills if you are ready. I am here for you to walk you through this process and make it easier.
Can autism and ADHD be evaluated online?
Yes. Three key barriers to receiving psychological assessment are geographic distance from a qualified provider, the cost of assessment, and wait times between requesting an appointment and actually being seen. Since COVID, many providers have relied on tele-assessment for diagnosis. There are many benefits to tele-assessment. The opportunity to observe someone in their own environment yields unique and valuable clinical information. There is increased flexibility with respect to scheduling and the ability to easily include multiple providers in a visit without overwhelming the individual. Finally, tele-assessment increases access to diagnostic services for individuals with difficulty attending in-person evaluations before COVID-19. This includes, for example, individuals with transportation barriers, those living in rural areas, or those who have difficulty taking time off work or securing childcare for siblings during the appointment.
Recent studies support the efficacy of tele-assessment. A study done with MS patients compared cognitive testing in person, in the hospital in a separate room from the examiner and with the patient at home. The test results were comparable to traditional in-person administration. Telepsychology was used to assess older adults with dementia. The results suggested that tests administered via telehealth can distinguish between cognitively impaired and non-impaired individuals similar to a traditional face-to-face assessment, supporting the validity of tele-assessment. An equivalency study of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task can be found here. Here is some information on the RIAS-2.
Therapy Dynamics offers remote neurodivergent affirming autism and ADHD testing and counseling for adults 15+ in Minnesota questioning if they are autistic. I believe that autism is a neurotype, not a disorder to be cured. I don’t see deficits, just differences. Many autistic individuals have experienced rejection. I am accepting of passionate interests and sensory sensitivities. I celebrate individual differences and work with a multicultural lens, embracing people of different cultures, ethnicities, and gender identities.
Autism and ADHD Testing for Adults in Minnesota
There are many reasons that adults choose to be tested for autism and/or ADHD. They may seek out validation of what they have known all along, be looking for answers as to why they are the way they are, or may be seeking out support services. After years of masking and struggling socially, an autism and/or ADHD diagnosis may provide an explanation for your lived experience. It can act as a spring board to finding the help that you need to process your emotions and learn skills if you are interested in doing so. Diagnosis can be affirming. An autism assessment can also open the door to county services including medical assistance and waivered services.
I offer autism evaluations for adults in Minnesota using the MIGDAS-2 and telehealth technology as well as the Social Responsiveness Scale-2, Brief Symptom Inventory, RIAS-2, ABAS-3, and D-REF Adult. ADHD testing is accomplished using the DREF-Adult, the Brief Test of Attention, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.
Autism Testing
What is the MIGDAS-2
The MIGDAS-2 or Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition is a neurodiversity affirming evaluation tool used to gather and organize information needed to diagnose autism. It looks at strengths and differences instead of deficits. For adults in Minnesota seeking autism testing, this takes place in a remote interview format. Additionally, you will be invited to show and discuss sensory materials you use to self-regulate. I will also have some sensory materials to show and discuss as well.
In addition to the interview, The MIGDAS-2 provides a form for parents/caregivers to fill out. When possible, I will ask that you have the form filled out to provide more information.
What is the Social Responsiveness Scale?
The SRS-2 identifies social differences. It is useful for looking at Social Awareness, Social Cognition, Social Communication, Social Motivation, and Passionate Interests and Repetitive Behaviors.
What does the Brief Symptom Inventory do?
The BSI assesses for any psychological problems that may be playing a role. This is in questionnaire format.
What is the RIAS-2?
The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales-Second Edition is a comprehensive assessment of intelligence and memory.
ADHD Testing
What is the D-REF Adult?
The Delis Rating of Executive Functioning measures executive functioning in the areas of behavior, emotion, and cognition. It is a tool to help in the diagnosis of executive functioning issues like ADHD. The D-REF is also in questionnaire format.
What is the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test?
The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test is a test that measures cognitive flexibility. It is an interactive test taken online, proctored by me as part of the ADHD assessment.
What is the Brief Test of Attention?
The Brief Test of Attention measures divided attention or your ability to hold on and attend to two pieces of information. It is kind of like looking at your ability to text and drive. This is a measure of attention often impaired in ADHD.
Scheduling an appointment for adults in Minnesota seeking autism testing
The average out-of pocket costs for an autism evaluation in Minnesota are between $2000-5000. At Therapy Dynamics, complete autism testing sessions cost $1200 and includes an intake interview, 150 minutes of testing, interpretation of results, a feedback session, and a professionally written report. Autism and ADHD testing costs $1300 and includes an intake interview, 180 minutes of testing, interpretation of results, a feedback session, and a written report. The written report will be provided for you within two weeks of the feedback session.
If you are interested in scheduling an initial intake for testing, visit the schedule page and select “Free Consultation” or “Interview Intake” to dive right in. Your appointment will be approved and paperwork will be sent to you. You will receive appointment reminders by text before each appointment.
Other Autism Services
In addition to autism testing and evaluation, I offer individual relationship skills training, help with life skills, and individual therapy for autistic individuals.
Relationship skills focus on emotional recognition, initiating and maintaining conversations, and building a social group.
Life skills include managing household tasks, applying for jobs, going on job interviews, maintaining a job, making grocery lists and going shopping, and self care-routines.
Individual therapy can be for struggles with anxiety, which are so common. Depression, OCD, and other issues can also be addressed.