Autistic-Informed Autism Assessment
Advanced Training Series and Consultation
My training series and consultation offerings *center* the experiences of autistic people, NOT the view of autistic people through a neuro-normative lens. Both offer an opportunity to divest from ableism masquerading as professionalism, critically analyze the ways that neuro-normativity shows up in assessment processes for both clients and evaluators, and discover the possibilities for something different.
The Assessment Training Series shares insight into assessment with people of all ages, and in all stages of self-knowledge or self-identification, including children, adolescents, and adults, as well as templates and information on building an ethical and affirming assessment process.
Consultation offerings provide an individualized opportunity to reassess and adapt your evaluation process to (re)align with your values and access needs, as well as respond to client feedback and community needs. Currently I offer 1:1, small group, and group/organizational consultation, as well as feedback on written documents (evaluation reports and summaries of all kinds).
The basic premise of autistic-informed autism assessment is that we *actively seek out the perspectives of autistic people and we listen*. This means we accept that our "gold standards" need to change.
CLINICAL INTEGRITY AND AUTISTIC-AFFIRMING PRACTICES CAN CO-EXIST!
Autism Assessment Training
The series aims to help clinicians design or adapt assessment processes that are aligned with their practice values and goals, as well as the access needs of their clients and themselves as providers and people.
From identifying personal and practice values, to choosing assessment measures and tools, to formatting the assessment process, to writing and sharing evaluation feedback and diagnostic reports - this training offers participants all of the “what, why, when, how” involved in building my own assessment process and services, how they have adapted over time, and shares the resources, forms, and report templates I have built along my way.
(This series also offers considerations for provider access needs and sustainable practices for autistic and/or multiply neurodivergent providers, as learned from my own experiences, as well as the hundreds of neurodivergent providers I have worked with in assessment training and consultation).
Areas of focus for assessment training workshops:
considerations for building an assessment practice that aligns with your values, goals, and access needs, and explores the tension between liberatory practice and harm reduction frameworks as they apply to autism assessment
balancing clinical integrity of diagnosis with exploring ways for assessment process to be more accurate, affirming, and inclusive of intersectional identities of gender, race, ethnicity, and disability, as well as “giftedness”/2e folks, and differential diagnosis with folks with history of trauma, and/or co-occurring mental illness
critical reflection of ableism within systems and medical model of disability, and what a paradigm shift means for all parts of assessment process
challenging stereotypes about autism that have led to generations of missed and misdiagnosis of People of Global Majority (PGM)/Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and Women, Girls, Queer, Transgender, Non-binary and Gender Non-Conforming folks
understanding normative development for autistic people, and learning non-pathologizing ways of conceptualizing, identifying, and describing the diversity of autistic experiences
Important Note: My goal in offering this training IS NOT to build an exclusive, commercialized training or certification program.
My goal is to offer all that I have experienced, learned, and built to increase accessibility of affirming assessment for autistic folks of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, and abilities by increasing the number of knowledgeable providers doing this work in inclusive and affirming ways in communities everywhere. My goal is share possibility models for informed and affirming assessments, not to replicate systems and cycles of gatekeeping, heirarchy, or a false binary of “the right way”.
My hope is for a world where no one has to choose between a pathologizing, harmful, and/or gaslighting evaluation process and validation + access to supports for themselves or their loved one.
My hope is for a world where no one has to wait months to years for an appointment to explore their questions about autistic experience with someone who listens with cultural humility.
My hope is for a world where people of all genders, races, ethnicities, disabilities, sizes, and neurotypes are able to work with a clinician that shares their identities and/or experiences if they choose to.
And my hope is for a world where clinicians of all genders, races, ethnicities, disabilities, sizes, and neurotypes have access to the training and resources needed to develop their own autonomous assessment process that allows both clinician and client to show up authentically.
This training was born of my own struggle with community needs that far exceed my capacities, recognition of the unique internal and external challenges and resources that have brought me to this place, and the common barriers that I found were preventing other clinicians from offering autism assessment services.
So this training is an invitation and opportunity for providers to join me in resistance of the status quo, and an offer of support for clinicians who are already leaning into neurodiversity-affirming practice and finding that much of their previous training and experience is wrought with ableism and unintentional harm.
This training is also an invitation and opportunity for autistic and neurodivergent providers to join me in building visibility and belonging in “professional” spaces where autistic people often experience othering and alienation.
Investment in Autistic Informed Assessment Training Series
(Includes access to templates for full diagnostic reports and evaluation summaries, informed consent process, communication, and scheduling.)
**NOTE: The development and evolution of this training series, which includes the continuous quest for increased accessibility for ND/Disabled/LGTBQIA+/BIPOC folks, has been possible only because of the investment of community.
Providers who chose to invest in autism assessment workshops, trainings, and consultation with me from 2021-2024, folks who purchased books through our bookshop affiliate link, contributed to our lending library, and/or generously contributed to our mutual aid fund - all those in community who are leveraging their personal and professional powers and redistributing their resources to help dismantle barriers to inclusive, intersectional, and affirming autism assessment - are making this possible.
equitable rate: $1,500
Please consider choosing the equitable rate ($1,500) if:
Your clinical fee for service rate is equal to or greater than $125 per hour.
Choosing the equitable rate contributes to the mutual aid fund, which helps sustain reduced and no-cost offerings.
sustainable rate: $1,000
Please choose the sustainable rate ($1,000) if:
Your clinical fee for service rate is $86-$124 per hour.
This rate is based on my own rate of sustainability as a person with complex personal and parenting/caring needs - it allows me to continue to provide this offering.
accessible rate: $600
Please choose the accessible rate ($600) if:
Your clinical fee for service rate is below $85 per hour.
Your practice centers the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color/People of Global Majority clients and communities, and more than 50% of clients served are BIPOC/PGM, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or Disabled.
FOR PROVIDERS NEW TO AUTISM ASSESSMENT: Live and On-Demand!
LIVE OPTION - Small Group Cohorts (Virtual)
(Please note - space in live cohorts is very limited for Rachel’s accessibility, and spots tend to fill quickly! )
Click here to see openings for upcoming cohorts!
Included with the live small group training offering:
A minimum of 9 total hours of live zoom time in a small group setting (typically 4-6), with recordings available for 2 weeks after each session.
Access to my templates for full diagnostic reports, informed consent process, communication and scheduling.
Access to private Facebook group for connecting with value aligned peer support/consultation/resources/referrals.
Option to be included in our directory of providersto connect with prospective clients and value-aligned clinical peers
Option to continue individualized training and support in designing and implementing an ethical and affirming assessment process through 1:1 or small group consultation(subject to availability), and/or participate in Learning + UnLearning Labs (see below!)
The training series is NOW ALSO AVAILABLE ON DEMAND!!
The recorded training offering is an opportunity to explore this training content independently, and at your own pace. There are NO live meetings included with this offering.
**Investment in the recorded version of the training series does include an optional 60 minute 1:1 consult to answer any questions, help develop action steps toward your goals, identify additional resources for learning…whatever would be most helpful for you! This can be scheduled after you have completed the training.
Included with the recording training offering:
- 7+ hours of recorded sessions, available for a period of 6 weeks.
- Access to my templates for full diagnostic reports, informed consent process, communication and scheduling.
- Access to private Facebook group for connecting with peer support/consultation/resources/referrals.
- Option to be included in our directory of providers (to connect with prospective clients, and value-aligned clinical peers).
- Option to continue individualized training and support in designing and implementing an ethical and affirming assessment process through 1:1 consultation with The Properties of Light’s Trampoline Project (subject to availability, sliding scale rates).
Other Consultative + Training Offerings
Consultative Intensives
An opportunity for deepening one’s learning, and/or support in translating learning into implementable practice, Consultative Intensives are for folks who are wanting to get deep into the nuances and intersections of autism with other types of neurodiversity, identity, and experiences with a person who gets it (personally and professionally).
Have you taken some trainings on autistic/AuDHD/multiply neurodivergent experiences and ready to translate your learning into your work as a therapist, educator, health professional, or community leader?
Are you wanting to rethink the way that your school or educational community conceptualizes identification, accommodation, and supports for neurodivergent youth and their families, but unsure where or how to start?
Are you finding the more you learn, the more you question? Do you have a growing/burning curiosity about your work and the intersection of _____________ and _______________?
(Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, 2e/giftedness, neuroqueerness, PDA, rejection sensitivity, alexythmia, somatic experiencing, IFS, trauma work, attachment, multiplicity, ARFID, ……)
Are you looking for support in considering factors for accessibility for your organization’s staff, community offerings or events?
Do you want to build or adapt diagnostic assessment services within your individual or group practice?
With commitment options of 3 or 6 months, and a set number of hours each month, our initial meeting is spent discussing your goals for our work together, as well as your values, resources, barriers, and access needs to develop an individualized, actionable plan and working agreement.
The number of hours per month can range from 2 hours for individuals, and up to 16 hours monthly (3-4 hours weekly) for group practices, non-profits, or educational/school settings. Consultative intensive hours may be offered on-site in the general Richmond area (dependent on accessibility factors), in-office at The Properties of Light in Richmond, or virtually.
For some basic information on past partnerships and future possibilities, click to expand! Specific information on past projects and references can be provided upon request.
I also love to connect with people who color outside the lines and think outside the box - so if you have an idea that is not listed here, let me know!
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Some past partnerships and future possibilities include:
weekly or biweekly case consultation for individual practitioners
biweekly or monthly education, training, or consultation for small groups
individualized support in group development and faciltiation
individualized support in designing, building, and implementing diagnostic assessment services for individual or group practices
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Support in identifying and implementing neuro-inclusive tools and strategies for classroom/educational settings
Consultation, education, and support for collaboration between families and school support teams (ad hoc as well as IEP, 504, and eligibility meetings)
Consultation, evaluation, and strategic planning on organizational levels.
Development of training materials and/or curriculum development for students and/or staff
Development and facilitation of psycho-educational groups for students
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Some past partnerships and future possibilities include:
Consultation, evaluation, and strategic planning on organizational levels
Development of training materials and/or curriculum development for staff and/or board members
Consultation and support in development and facilitation of organizational and/or community offerings and events
Development and facilitation of psycho-educational groups
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Some past partnerships and future possibilities include:
weekly or biweekly case consultation for individual practitioners
biweekly or monthly education, training, or consultation for small groups in focused topics
individualized support in development of training and/or educational materials, clinical interventions, and group curriculum
co-facilitation and development of psychoeducational and support groups for youth, as well as parents and carers
In-Service Trainings, Workshops & More
Interested in bringing a training or workshop to your group, organization, or practice? Want to sponsor an open-to-community workshop? A new idea for collaboration? Let’s connect!
I have partnered with organizations and groups of all types and sizes to develop and facilitate virtual and in-person trainings and workshops. Past partnerships have included private medical, mental health, and health service practices, counseling centers and disability offices of private and public colleges and universities, community mental health providers, public and private Pre-K-12 educators, administrators, and support staff, religious and faith-based communities, advocacy and community building groups, and more.
I offer workshops, professional consultation, organizational assessment/strategic planning in the following areas of expertise:
Neurodiversity-affirming and inclusive practices in educational, therapy, medical, occupational, and community settings for people of all ages, with a focus in ADHD and Autism
Supporting and affirming queer, transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming and gender diverse children (gender affirming care & community building)
Intersection of gender and neurodiversity: Neuroqueer identities
Anti-oppressive, healing-centered, attachment and connection based parenting and caregiving practices
Clinical Consultation & LCSW Supervision
I offer consultation services to providers of many specialties across the United States who are seeking consultation in one of the following areas of expertise:
inclusive and affirming practice with queer, trans, non-binary, and questioning children and adolescents
neurodiversity affirming, autistic-informed assessment for people of all ages and genders
topics related and interconnected to those above, including neuroqueer identities and experiences, patterns of sensory processing, nervous system responses, and self/co-regulation, PDA, sustainabile and accessible practices for autistic and neurodivergent therapists and service providers
I am currently licensed in New York and Virginia, and am certified to provide individual and small group supervision for folks pursuing clinical social work licensure in Virginia. People who work as resident therapists at The Properties of Light are designated as Supervisees in Social Work, meaning that they are in the process of completing at least 2 years of post-degree training and clinical supervision in order to be licensed in Virginia, and receive board approved supervision at The Properties of Light throughout this time.
In addition to Consultative Intensives, I also offer bookkeeping support services for neuroqueer business owners, and community workshops and events when my capacity allows!
For more information on professional co-conspirator relationships, check out The Trampoline Project - a collaborative offering with my colleague in neuroqueer crime, Camille Rudney, LCSW.
Learning + UnLearning Labs: Experiential Learning Opportunity for Autism Assessment Providers
An extension of Autistic-Informed Autism Assessment Trainings for New & Experienced Autism Assessment Providers
The what:
You’ve done the training, maybe you’ve started doing assessments, maybe you’ve even been doing them a while - and wherever you are, you’d like some support/guidance/feedback from value-aligned community!
This extension of the autistic-informed assessment trainings offers a supportive "lab" opportunity developed based on the last few years of consultation work with individuals and group practices who wanted a bridge between the "here are all the possibilities" assessment training and the place where they feel "I'm doing it, confidently!"
It's also for folks who have been doing assessment for a little while, but perhaps in relative isolation, who would like to connect/compare/continue to learn with and from others!
New Lab Sessions will be offered every few months, and will feature different focuses for learning/unlearning in a small group community.
How it works:
Lab sessions are 90 minutes, and focused on specific topics related to assessment. Sessions focus on common patterns observed in assessment, and feature case examples, discussion, and opportunities for experiential practice in a small group.
Cost:
Each session costs $100 for 90 minutes.
Registration:
For upcoming dates for ADULT focused labs, visit: https://thepropertiesoflight.as.me/learninglabsadult
For upcoming dates for YOUTH focused labs, visit: https://thepropertiesoflight.as.me/learninglabsyouth
1:1 Assessment Consultation and Evaluation Report Feedback Sessions
When capacity allows, I offer 1:1 and group practice/organizational consultation in my areas of focused interest, including all things related(even tangentially!) to autism assessment.
In addition to consultation focused on clinical aspects of assessment, I also collaborate with evaluators who are building or refining their assessment practices. This format is particularly suited for licensed clinical psychologists and other evaluators who are actively engaged in critically re-examining their assessment training and practice in order to truly engage with the paradigm shift required in neuro-affirming practice (beyond just shifts in language). Together we work through any pieces that feel “sticky” or misaligned, and fine tune their process to be best aligned with their values, goals, and needs.
I also offer an opportunity for feedback on written portions of assessment processes including evaluation reports, summaries and letters, and other related pieces of documentation. This can be provided in an asynchronous, written format (providing feedback via review and written suggestions without meeting live), in a live, verbal format (discussing suggestions in a live virtual meeting), or some combination of the two!
For professional consultation, I use an equitable exchange model - folks are asked to pay their clinical or consultative rate per consultation session.
For example, a consultant who charges clients $150 per session is asked to pay $150 per session; a clinician who has a clinical rate of $200 per 50 minute session, is asked to pay $200 per consultation session; a clinician who accepts medicaid and has a reimbursement rate of $95 per session is asked to pay $95 per consultation session, and so forth.
(If this is confusing, or you have any questions - please let me know at scheduling and we can figure it out together!)
CLICK HERE TO REQUEST PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION AND/OR FEEDBACK ON WRITTEN WORK!