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Neurodiversity-Affirming
Assessments for Autism & ADHD

For ages 18-60, in person or virtual

Specialization in assessing high-masking individuals

 

My Approach​

My neurodiversity-affirming approach recognizes that Autism and ADHD are natural variations in how human brains work. I don't see these conditions as problems to be fixed, but as different ways of thinking, learning, and being that can bring both challenges and strengths. As a neurodivergent individual who has been through the assessment process myself, I aim to provide others with a positive experience.

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I provide a Therapeutic Assessment model, which allows for a more in-depth and relational experience compared to the typical "traditional" model of assessment in which you only attend one intake session, one testing session, and one feedback session. The Therapeutic Assessment model blends assessment and therapeutic processing and is a good fit for individuals who prefer a slower-paced process that helps them make meaning of their results gradually and apply new insights along the way. If you've felt dismissed, misunderstood, or potentially misdiagnosed in past assessment or therapy experiences, this approach might be for you.

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If you prefer a more "traditional" model, I recommend checking out the directory of providers here: Texas Neurodivergent Therapist Directory.

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What to Expect

My comprehensive assessment process is designed to understand you as a whole person – not just a checklist of traits.

 

We'll explore:

  • Your lived experiences and personal history

  • Your unique ways of thinking and problem-solving

  • Your interests, strengths, and areas where you might want support

  • The ways you might have adapted to meet academic or social expectations

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This is accomplished through a combination of conversations, questionnaires, and tests. I use evidence-based tools while heavily considering your lived experience.

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Here is a roadmap of the entire process:

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Reach Out:

Get started by texting, emailing, or filling out the contact form here on this site. All questions are welcome! 

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Optional 10-15 Minute Consultation Call:

Ask any remaining questions you have about the assessment process, my experience, etc.

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Get Scheduled:

If you decide to move forward, I will gather some demographic information, send you the intake paperwork, run an insurance estimate for you (if applicable), and then get you on my schedule. Please be advised that there may be a waitlist.

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Fill Out Paperwork:

Intake paperwork is completed on my secure online portal. This will include a consent form with all of my policies, a form for you to start sharing about yourself, as well as brief screeners for things like anxiety, depression, and trauma. I look over all of this information in order to prepare for the intake session.

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Intake Session:

We will meet virtually or in person for a 55-minute intake session in which we will begin to explore your goals for the assessment, history, and current experiences. Oftentimes, the intake "session" actually spreads across two separate sessions so I can make sure I am starting off with a very good understanding of who you are and what brings you in for an assessment.

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Weekly or Biweekly Sessions:

Between each of your weekly or biweekly 55-minute sessions that follow the intake session(s), you will be emailed several evidence-based self-report questionnaires to complete. The results of these questionnaires will be discussed in the next session. This allows for time to process the thoughts and feelings that arise when learning how your experiences align with or differ from the general (neurotypical) population. It also allows me to hear more about your lived experiences rather than solely looking at numbers and charts.

 

In addition, there will be other testing that takes place within the therapeutic assessment sessions.

On average, there are usually 5-8 of these sessions, but it always depends on your specific needs.

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Collateral Information:

We will discuss if you have a safe, reliable person (or people) in your life to complete questionnaires based on their experiences with you when you were a child or an adult. This can be a partner, family member, roommate, or close friend. If you do not have anyone to complete questionnaires regarding your childhood, we will need to be sure that we have other evidence regarding childhood such as report cards, previous assessment records, or your own memory.

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If you are working with an individual therapist for psychotherapy, I will gather information from them as well, as long as you are comfortable with that.

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Break for Report Writing:

We will take a 2-3 week break after all testing elements have been completed. During this time, I will write a comprehensive report that we will go over together in the feedback session.

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Feedback Session:

​It's time for the results! We will go over the report, which includes diagnosis (if applicable), strengths and areas for growth and support, recommendations, referrals, and all of the testing data. My goal is to tell the story of our therapeutic assessment process and how I arrived at the diagnostic conclusions, with plenty of time for questions and processing thoughts and feelings that may arise. I also aim to help you feel confident that you are leaving with some next steps to follow rather than feeling directionless. Within a few days of the feedback session, you will be able to download the written report from the secure online portal.

Tree Lined Path
Colorful Friends

Why Choose Inner Spark Therapy?

​My assessments are:

  • Collaborative: You're an active participant in the process, not just a subject being evaluated

  • Respectful: I honor your experiences and self-knowledge

  • Comprehensive: I look at the whole picture of who you are, exploring other possibilities besides Autism and ADHD such as trauma, depression, and anxiety

  • Evidence-based: I use current research and tests while maintaining a neurodiversity-affirming stance

  • Action-oriented: I provide practical insights and strategies tailored to your needs

  • Gender-informed: I understand how Autism and ADHD can present differently across genders

  • Culturally-sensitive: I am welcoming and accepting of clients of all races, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities

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Whether you receive a diagnosis or not, you will gain valuable insight into yourself. You'll receive a comprehensive written report detailing all of your results, along with personalized recommendations and referrals to support your next steps forward.

Plant Hanger

Fees & Insurance

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  • Insurance Accepted: United Healthcare (Optum)

    • Payment at each session based on your insurance benefits 

  • Private pay also available at $150 per session

  • Superbills provided upon request at the end of the assessment process

    • If I am out-of-network with your insurance, these can be submitted for potential reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.

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Is Inner Spark Therapy the right fit for you?

I utilize evidence-based, norm-referenced tools to evaluate ADHD and Autism, prioritizing accuracy and reliability throughout the diagnostic process. As a Master’s-level clinician (LCSW-S) in Texas with advanced specialized training and ongoing clinical consultation in neurodevelopmental assessment, my goal is to provide a comprehensive and validating experience.

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When I may be a good fit:

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  • Focus on Self-Discovery: You are primarily seeking an assessment to foster deeper self-understanding and clarity regarding your neurotype.

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  • Confirmed Requirements: You do not require formal accommodations for school or work, or you have proactively confirmed that an assessment from a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S) meets their specific criteria.

 

When you may need a different provider:

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  • Institutional Requirements: If you are seeking formal disability accommodations, please verify your school or employer’s requirements first. Some institutions require evaluations from doctoral-level professionals (Licensed Psychologists). If you find you need a doctoral-level assessment, the Texas Neurodivergent Therapist Directory is an excellent resource.

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  • Complexity & Co-occurring Conditions: For individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, dementia, epilepsy, or other neurological issues who require a full neuropsychological workup, working with a Licensed Psychologist will be necessary.

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  • Specific Learning Disorders: Please note that my practice does not provide diagnoses for Intellectual Disabilities or specific learning disorders such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia.

Your Journey Starts Here

Whether you're seeking answers about yourself or looking to better understand your experiences, I'm here to support you. My goal isn't to label you or put you in a box, but to help you understand yourself better and thrive in your own unique way.

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Many of my clients have spent years feeling different but not knowing why, often having their experiences dismissed or overlooked by others, including mental health professionals. I have faced this struggle firsthand, and I am here to provide the thorough, nuanced assessment you deserve.

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Fill out the form below to take the first step on your journey of self-discovery. I'm happy to answer any and all questions!

Get in touch

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