Specific Evaluations
We focus on specific evaluations for autism specializing in late-diagnosed adults who are likely to be misdiagnosed or missed entirely. This evaluation is not full psychological or neuropsychological testing.
Evolution of Evaluations
I am constantly engaging in education and consultation to keep up with Autistic-led research and thinking. Due to the rapid evolution of Neuro-Affirmative care, I am constantly updating the assessment tools I use, the language used in reports, and striving for current best-practice.
Autism + ADHD
According to the most current scientific literature, 50-70% of autistic individuals also present with co-occurring ADHD. Given this prevalence, we offer a combined evaluation to assess both adult ADHD and autism at a reduced fee from two separate evaluations.
Ideal client for adult evaluation
Do any of these describe you?
Evaluation Options & Financial Investment
Evaluating Autism
- Pre-evaluation questionnaires and assessments
- Review of previous records & assessments
- 120 minute telehealth Diagnostic Clinical Interview (can be split into two separate appointments based on client preference)
- Standardized Behavior Rating scales
- 45 minute Feedback Session
- Evaluation Report
Evaluating Autism & ADHD
- Pre-evaluation questionnaires and assessments
- Review of previous records & assessments
- 120 minute telehealth Diagnostic Clinical Interview (can be split into two separate appointments based on client preference)
- Standardized Behavior Rating scales & QbCheck Continuous Performance Test for ADHD
- 45 minute Feedback Session
- Evaluation Report
Re-Evaluation Consultation
- 1 hour Re-Evaluation Consultation appointment
Additional steps optional based on the Consultation Appointment
1. Documents review including previous testing (1 hour)
2. Additional supplemental testing if necessary (1-4 hours)
3. Write-up including accommodations & supports (1 hour)
4. Telehealth Feedback Session (1 hour)
The MIGDAS-2 diagnostic interview process invites individuals to share their worldview. The interview begins with sharing of preferred interests and exploration of the adult’s sensory profile. This narrative method of exploring autism decreases the performative social communication demands and allows for a therapeutic approach to considering the strengths and differences of the autistic brain style.
This is in contrast to the medical model’s focus on deficit-based diagnostic criteria which is inherently based on symptoms, impairments, or how much the autistic individual passes or fails at being neurotypical.
The result of the evaluation is a comprehensive behavioral profile that describes the individual’s distinct ways of relating to the world which supplements assessment scores and informs diagnosis, practical interventions, supports, and treatment planning. This profile describes the individual’s distinct ways of relating to the world which supplements assessment scores and informs diagnosis, practical interventions, supports, and treatment planning.
Why not the "Gold Standard" ?
The MIGDAS-2 & ADOS-2 are both valid, but different measures for assessing autism in children and adults. The ADOS-2 is an examiner driven assessment focusing on social communication. In contrast, the MIGDAS-2 is a sensory-based interview that allows the person being evaluated to tell the story of their own lived experiences across the three main areas most impacted by autism.
The ADOS-2’s original intent and purpose was use in clinical research settings and it is often erroneously referred to as the “gold standard” for autism assessment. Consequently, many school districts and other institutions may still require the ADOS-2 in order for individuals to receive services which has further contributed to its widespread use in clinical settings.
The ADOS-2 can be less sensitive to females, those with high IQ, adults from other minority or marginalized populations, and adults with low support-needs. Additionally, many high camouflaging adults report responding in ways that fit what they know they “should” say or do, which can lead to being missed or misdiagnosed. Many autistic adults report that the process itself can feel performative and infantilizing. Consequently, we have chosen to amplify the voices of actually autistic adults (many of them mental health clinicians) who continue to assert that the MIGDAS-2 is the more affirming measure.
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Getting Started
Diagnostic Evaluation STEPS
Step 1
- E-mail heather@vanncounseling.com or call 352-316-0518 schedule a consultation call OR use the Get Started Now button to self-schedule.
- All intake paperwork will be sent to you via the client portal and must be completed and reviewed in order to schedule the telehealth Diagnostic Clinical Interview appointment
Step 2
Card on file charged the $400 deposit of when the Diagnostic Clinical Interview is scheduled
Step 3
- 120 minute Diagnostic Clinical Interview – can be done as 1 session or split into two 60 minute sessions.
- Family members/Partners/Spouses are welcome to attend (but not required) to provide collateral information.
- Card on file charged remaining amount due an hour before the start of the appointment
Step 4
- Screening tools + Standardized behavior rating scales specific to your evaluation completed at your convenience and from the comfort of your own space
- Additional information may be obtained from collateral sources (typically family members, partners, or others who know you well)
- If evaluating ADHD – QbCheck – a continuous performance computer test for objective data
Step 5
Feedback Session with client (and parents/caregivers if desired) to process the outcomes of the evaluation as well as any relevant diagnoses and review any recommendations. The report is sent to you via your client portal.
Self-Pay
Vann Counseling & Consulting is not in-network with any insurance and all clients are self-pay.
Financial Investment
Diagnostic Evaluations are a significant financial investment. Given how financially inaccessible evaluations can be, I specialize in specific adult evaluations that are not comprehensive psychological or neuropsychological evaluations. A minimum of 10-12 hours is spent completing the average evaluation.
A general breakdown of the cost for the assessments includes:
- 2 hours of evaluator time in administrative time including consultation calls, setting up the client chart, sending all documents/forms/assessments, analyzing & organizing the information gathered from the client
- 2-3 hours of diagnostic interview with client (and any additional collateral interviews including family members, other providers, teachers, etc.)
- 2-3 hours of reporting writing (more for the combined evaluation)
- 45 minute telehealth feedback session with client to review outcomes and recommendations and answer any questions
Evaluation Policies
- Your card on file will be charged a $400 deposit at the time the intake appointment is confirmed and the remainder will be charged the day of the intake appointment.
- No refunds will be given for late-cancellations within 24 hours or no shows for intake appointment. Reschedules may require paying the standard $185 intake appointment fee to re-start the evaluation process.
- Arriving late to the intake appointment may require additional time to be scheduled to complete the intake which will be billed at the current therapy intake rate.
- Complex evaluations requiring extensive time reviewing records, additional assessments, or time may be subject to being billed at $185/hour beyond the evaluation cost. This will be discussed and mutually agreed upon prior to any additional steps being taken by the evaluator.
Can the evaluation be used for accommodations for school, work, or for high stakes testing?
Both evaluations are sufficient for seeking accommodations for work, school, and high-stakes testing. We have confirmed with all of the major testing companies that our evaluation would be accepted.
Our evaluation is not psychological or neuropsychological testing and is NOT sufficient for those seeking diagnosis for Social Security Disability Insurance purposes OR for forensic evaluation purposes.
It is important to note that a diagnosis does not mean that an institution will consider a person disabled under the law.
Telehealth Evaluations
Evaluations are only available to residents of Florida & Georgia
The ADHD Computer test requires a computer or a laptop with a camera. Chromebooks and Tablets are not yet compatible.
Diagnosis for medication management
Heather Vann is an LMFT and does not prescribe medication. However, if your evaluation results in a diagnosis of ADHD or other co-occurring diagnoses that you may choose to treat medically, you should share your evaluation results with your medical provider.
Am I guaranteed a diagnosis?
You are not guaranteed a diagnosis. In order to receive formal diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD, you need to meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5).
Recommendations may be made for other assessments or professionals in the event that we determine what you need is beyond our scope.