Autism Evaluations for Adults
A Neuro-friendly assessment.
At A Shift in Focus, we offer autism evaluations designed specifically for adults—particularly those who may have been missed or misunderstood earlier in life. If you're wondering whether autism is part of your experience, we provide a respectful, collaborative process that centers around your lived experience, not just a clinical checklist.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that neurodivergence is a natural part of human diversity—not something to pathologize. We work with clients who are curious, questioning, or seeking formal documentation to better understand themselves, access accommodations, or find community. Whether you've spent years masking or just recently started to explore the possibility, this evaluation is designed to meet you where you are.
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Affirming. Accessible. Insightful.
At A Shift in Focus, we specialize in adult autism evaluations that are respectful,collaborative, and grounded in a neurodivergent-affirming framework. If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I be autistic?”—especially if you’ve spent years masking, feeling different, or not quite fitting in—this process is designed with you in mind.
This is not about “diagnosing what’s wrong.” It’s about exploring how your brain works, honoring your lived experience, and helping you make sense of your story in a way that feels empowering and clear.
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⚫️ Neurodivergent-affirming: We don’t pathologize. We understand autism as a form of cognitive and sensory difference, not a disorder to be “fixed.”
⚫️ Collaborative and validating: You are the expert in your experience. The evaluation is a conversation, not an interrogation.
⚫️ Focused on self-understanding: Whether you want clarity for your own growth, support at work or school, or formal documentation, you’ll leave with insight you can use.
⚫️ Trauma-informed: We recognize that many adults, especially women and members of other marginalized communities, have complex histories with mental health systems. We respect and hold space for that.
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✔️ Pre-evaluation intake (optional brief consult to see if we’re a good fit)
✔️ In-depth clinical interview (via telehealth)
✔️ Self-report tools and narrative exploration
✔️ Comprehensive written report, affirming and practical
✔️ Follow-up session to review findings and next steps
What You Can Expect
A neurodivergent-affirming approach that sees autism as a valid, natural variation—not something to fix
A comprehensive process including a clinical interview, self-report tools, and narrative exploration
A written report you can use for personal clarity, formal documentation, or both
A follow-up session to review your results, ask questions, and consider next steps
A process that is trauma-informed, affirming, and grounded in respect
Especially supportive of those often missed in childhood—women, nonbinary individuals, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ adults, and late-diagnosed or masked adults
Investment
$850
This includes all sessions, self-report measures, a comprehensive written report, and a follow-up session to review findings and next steps.
⚫️ You may choose to pay in full or split the cost into two payments of $425:
Payment 1 is due at the time of scheduling
Payment 2 is due at least 48 hours before your evaluation appointment
This evaluation is offered as a private-pay service, which means we do not bill insurance—even if we are in-network. This allows us to provide a personalized, thorough experience without the constraints or diagnostic pressure that often accompany insurance billing.
In today’s political and healthcare climate, many clients deeply value the privacy and autonomy that comes with keeping this process separate from their permanent medical record. Private pay ensures your evaluation is centered on your needs—not a third-party system.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Because evaluation appointments require dedicated preparation and reserve a significant block of time, we ask that you provide at least 48 hours' notice for any cancellation or rescheduling.
Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged a $100 cancellation fee.
No-shows are charged the full cost of the evaluation.
You may reschedule without penalty, as long as notice is given at least 48 hours in advance.
This policy helps protect the time and energy set aside for your evaluation while ensuring fairness to all clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an official diagnosis?
Yes. If you meet diagnostic criteria and would like that reflected, the final report will include a formal diagnosis using DSM-5 language—written in an affirming, respectful tone. Some clients use this for accommodations, documentation, or personal clarity.
Do I need to be sure I’m autistic before scheduling?
Not at all. Many clients come in unsure and curious. This evaluation is about exploration, not judgment. You don’t need to fit a stereotype or “look a certain way” to be seen and supported—especially if you’ve spent years masking, navigating multiple identities, or were overlooked due to gender, race, or other cultural factors.
What if I don’t meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis?
You’ll still receive a detailed report and feedback session focused on your experience, strengths, and support needs. We honor the value of self-discovery regardless of diagnostic outcome.
Is this different from what I’d get through my primary care doctor or a psychologist who works with insurance?
Yes. Most insurance-based evaluations are brief, checklist-driven, and aimed at diagnosis for billing—not deep understanding. Our process is slower, richer, and designed with neurodivergent adults in mind.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for the evaluation?
Yes, in most cases. We recommend checking with your plan provider to confirm eligibility.
Will this evaluation be part of my medical record?
No, not unless you choose to share it. Because we do not bill insurance, the evaluation stays private and entirely within our practice.
Ready to Start?
You deserve to understand yourself fully—without shame, stigma, or self-doubt. If you’re ready to explore the possibility of autism in a supportive and affirming space, let’s begin.