This means that at The Properties of Light, we may utilize different tools for assessing and evaluating Autism and/or ADHD than other providers. There are no specific, definitive psychological tests that are required to identify/diagnose Autism or ADHD. My process of evaluation utilizes assessment tools that are intentionally selected for their neurodiversity affirming, non-pathologizing approach to understanding, assessing and describing Autism and ADHD, and are within my scope of practice as a licensed clinical provider.

DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION is a collaborative process which includes gathering of social and developmental history, diagnostic interview sessions(s), self-report measures/questionnaires, a written report and meeting to review report and evaluation outcomes.  This is the diagnostic process of determining whether a person meets clinical diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of autism and/or adhd, and includes a full evaluation report with evaluation outcomes and diagnosis of autism and/or adhd if indicated, as well as recommendations.

This type of evaluation may be a good fit for folks of all ages who are looking for formal identification or "official" diagnosis of autism and/or adhd and written report with recommendations.  

I’m passionate about helping people of all ages and identities develop positive neurodivergent identity through assessment and education, as well as joining adults on a path of self-discovery and reinterpretation of life experiences through understanding of trauma and  neurodivergent experience in a neurotypical world.

In particular, my focus is in providing services that are inclusive of intersectional identities of gender, race, ethnicity, and disability, as well as “giftedness”/2e folks, and folks with history of trauma, and/or co-occurring mental illness.  This is because for many of these folks, a lack of comprehensive training for licensed professionals about characteristics of Autism and ADHD, particularly as experienced by People of Global Majority (PGM)/Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and Women, Girls, Queer, Transgender, Non-binary and Gender Non-Conforming folks, can lead to missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. 

I also offer training and employment opportunities for qualified, licensed clinical providers who are value aligned, and prioritize listening to lived experiences. The goal of increasing accessibility of affirming assessment services for communities is something that guides the work of my practice - with the understanding that accessibility to an affirming assessment is about more than cost alone. One of the ways that I work toward this goal is offering training, employment, and consultation opportunities with priority given to autistic and/or multiply neurodivergent clinicians, as well as those of all neurotypes who experience systemic barriers in the helping professions including BIPOC/PGM, LGBTQIA+, and/or disabled clinicians.

Do we accept insurance?

We do not accept insurance.  Providing services via self pay allows us to utilize our equitable price model and create greater accessibility to services for folks with less discretionary wealth and/or access to financial resources, while balancing sustainability for each provider based on their unique access/care needs.  These are important values in my work, and my recommended sustainable rate is lower than general market rate as part of my personal commitment to equity, interdependence, and community wealth. 

Using private pay services also allows clients to have more autonomy over how, when, and with whom their information is shared, and under what circumstances. For many people who have experienced harm from systems that were supposed to help, as well as people who are vulnerable to systematic discrimination, having this autonomy can be critical to their safety and well-being.

Are you a licensed clinical provider who wants to learn more about bringing autistic-informed, neuro-affirming practice to your work? Check out my consultation and training offerings!