Michigan Counseling and Referral Services

Description:

Neurodiversity Affirming Autism Assessment for Adults and Children

Many people think that Autism assessments are only for children, but that simply isn’t true! I can test adults, as well, for Autism. I also exercise sensitivities to the following age groups and identities:

Pediatric (3-17)

Young Adult (18-35)

Adult (36-62)

Elderly (63-End of Life)

LGBTQIA+

People of Color

Trauma Background

Other Medical Conditions

What Makes an Autism Assessment Neurodiversity Affirming Vs. “Typical”?

Mostly the practitioner!

For an Autism assessment to be neurodiversity affirming, the practitioner needs to have an understanding of neurodiversity. The practitioner needs to know how to effectively use their skills in addition to the psychometric measures used in order to make an accurate and non-pathologized diagnosis.

It also helps if the practitioner is neurodivergent! Us neurodivergent assessors are (unfortunately) a pretty rare breed in the field currently.

I don’t like the stuffy and intimidating testing environment. We will both be in the conversation, together, exploring your tendencies. I will not expect you to “perform” in any other way than yourself.

After all, we’re exploring you, not your masking. So first and foremost, my aim in testing is to help you feel comfortable and welcomed with me!

The battery of tests selected

The testing “battery” is the list of tests that we will use in your testing. This is super important! Not all tests are created equal and tell us different things.

Currently, my testing battery includes the following:

Pediatric (Ages 3-17)

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
- Administered directly with the child
Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R)
- Administered to caretaker(s) and participating family members
Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
- Administered directly to adolescent (13-17)
Child Attachment Scale (CAS)
- Administered to caretaker(s)
Adolescent Attachment Scale (AAS)
- Administered directly to adolescent (13-17)
Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC)
- Administered to Caretaker(s)
Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC)
- Administered directly to adolescent (13-17)

Adult (Ages 18-End of Life)

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R)
Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
Adult Attachment Scale (AAS)
PTSD Checklist for DSM 5 (PCL-5)

*All Tests for the Adult Battery are Administered Directly to You as the Client

The tests we choose to include in you or your child’s testing battery will depend on age and maturity level. This will be discussed at the initial intake session.