Telehealth Assessments for Adults
Autism Assessments
If you have made it to this page, you may have been wondering if you are Autistic. Or maybe you were peer-reviewed Autistic by your neurodivergent friends and wanted to discuss it with a professional. You’ve come to the right place. Here you can schedule an adult Autism assessment to have your questions answered. I, Heather Poirrier, am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings both professional expertise and lived experience as an Autistic person to support you on this path.
Beginning the journey of self-discovery can be nerve-racking and confusing. My adult Autism assessments are thorough and neurodiversity-affirming, utilizing the MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum), a qualitative interview approach that centers your own lived experience and narrative, rather than relying solely on external observation. This can help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your needs.
I offer my assessments through Telehealth so you can participate from the comfort of your own home. My approach prioritizes accessibility and ensures you can engage in services that are tailored to your needs.
>>Key Features<<
Comprehensive
My assessments delve into various facets of your experience, ensuring a comprehensive understanding. This includes exploring your cognitive strengths and challenges, communication styles, and social interactions in both childhood and adulthood. We will also examine your sensory profile and any other factors that contribute to your unique neurotype.
Personalized
Tailored to meet your specific needs and goals, my assessments take your unique experiences and preferences into account. I designed the assessment process to be inclusive and supportive. Whether you are seeking clarity about your neurodivergent identity or require documentation for accommodations, I can assist you in accomplishing your goal.
Inclusive
The assessment process unfolds in a safe & respectful, virtual environment. I recognize that racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities contribute to the lack of access to services and delay in Autism identification that marginalized individuals experience. A person’s other identities impacts their Autistic experience and this understanding is necessary when assessing for Autism.
Collaborative
First and foremost, you are the expert on you. Being Autistic is a deeply internal experience and is not something that can be identified only by observation without your input. Your insights are crucial in helping form a comprehensive understanding of your neurotype. This process is a collaboration, where your self-knowledge and my expertise work to create a full picture.
Autism Screenings
Screening questionnaires are a required part of the assessment process and are typically completed independently and free of charge. If the screenings are negative, you are not obligated to move forward with a full assessment. For those who prefer a professional guided screening, I offer that service at the same rate as my individual session fee, with a sliding scale available.
ADHD Assessments
Are you navigating challenges with focus, organization, or completing tasks in ways that work best for you? An ADHD assessment can help you better understand your unique neurodivergent traits and how they shape your experiences.
My process is collaborative and includes a thorough exploration of your personal, medical, and life history. I use the DIVA-5, along with standardized screening tools to assess patterns related to attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and executive functioning. We will also discuss how your daily life, relationships, and well-being have been impacted. This assessment is designed to provide clarity and validation, along with personalized recommendations to support your goals.
>>Key Features<<
Focused
Utilizing the DIVA-5, ADHD assessments zero in on understanding how your traits influence your daily life currently and in your youth. By identifying patterns and areas of challenge, we cut through the confusion and provide a clear path forward. You’ll leave the process with insights that are precise and actionable.
Thorough
An effective ADHD assessment requires careful attention to detail to truly understand how your life is impacted. My approach ensures we explore all aspects of your experiences, from childhood through adulthood. This process helps capture the nuances of your experiences, including how your identities shape them.
Grounded
Navigating ADHD can feel overwhelming, especially when stigma or misinformation complicates the conversation. My assessments are grounded in science, empathy, and lived understanding. This combination ensures your evaluation is both affirming and accurate, giving you clarity without judgment.
Revealing
Understanding ADHD often brings relief, clarity, and even validation. My assessments aim to uncover the root causes of the challenges you’ve been facing. Together, we’ll make sense of your experiences, offering new perspectives and pathways to move forward and address challenges with confidence.
Differential Diagnostic & Combined Assessments
A differential diagnostic assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to clarify the specific neurodivergent traits or conditions that align with your experiences and traits. Many adults seeking answers have overlapping symptoms of conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, or other mental health challenges. This assessment helps distinguish between these possibilities, providing a clear understanding of your distinct neurocognitive profile. The goal is to empower you with accurate insights and provide personalized recommendations for next steps whether that is self-led or through treatment.
>>Key Features<<
Insight
Sometimes, neurodivergent individuals feel a sense of difference from others without fully understanding why. Tasks that seem effortless to some may pose significant challenges, leading to feelings of frustration or inadequacy. You are not alone. Neurodivergence encompasses a broad spectrum of brain functions that differ from what is considered typical. It spans various conditions, some present from birth and others acquired later in life.
Precision
Several neurodivergent conditions share similarities, leading to potential confusion or misdiagnosis. These can include Autism, ADHD, OCD, (C)PTSD, Personality Disorders, Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, etc), and Bipolar Disorders. Through comprehensive assessment and expertise, I can help distinguish between these conditions and provide personalized support and guidance for treatment.
Clarity
Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, often face the unfortunate reality of being misdiagnosed or overlooked altogether. These challenges can cause people to lose hope for improvement and success in therapy. If you find yourself relating to these struggles, I’m glad you made it to this page. I offer diagnostic assessments tailored to help sort through your experiences, providing clarity and direction.
Scope
While I specialize in comprehensive assessments and support for various neurodivergent conditions, my services may not be the best fit for individuals seeking clarification specifically related to learning disorders (such as dyslexia) or intellectual disabilities (such as Down syndrome). However, if these aspects aren’t the primary focus of your inquiry, I remain available to assist you in navigating other facets of neurodivergence.
Assessment Process
Step 1
Reach out for a consultation where we will schedule your assessment session(s) and followup session.
Step 2
Complete intake paperwork and questionnaires to be completed 24 hours prior to your assessment session.
Step 3
Attend your assessment session(s) via Zoom for a structured interview about your experiences.
Step 4
Attend your follow-up session where we discuss your report and my therapeutic recommendations.
The exact duration of the assessment session(s) depends on the purpose of the evaluation and whether we are differentiating between multiple neurodivergent conditions. Generally ADHD assessment sessions are 1.5 hours. Autism assessments are usually 2-3 hours total and held in 2-3 sessions. Combined assessments and differential diagnostic assessments generally require 3-5 assessment sessions. At your follow-up session, you receive your report; we discuss your diagnoses and therapeutic recommendations.
Even though we may be working with each other briefly, it is important to ensure that my services will be a good fit for your needs. Please fill out the below contact form and you will be contacted within 2-3 business days via your preferred method of communication. You can schedule a a free 15-min consultation phone call or complete the consultation vie text or email. You can review this list of questions commonly discussed in consultations so you can feel prepared. Consultations help to ensure that I will be able to meet your therapeutic needs before you commit.
I look forward to the possibility of working together!