The Process
If you're considering the possibility of an Autism, ADHD diagnosis, or a combination of both, you're not alone. Whether you're exploring for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, the journey can feel daunting.
Questions about where to start, how to seek help, and what a diagnosis means may arise. Rest assured, having been there myself and supported hundreds of clients, I understand and am here to support you every step of the way.
Why seek out a diagnostic assessment?
✦ Perhaps you’ve been on a journey of self-discovery and living authentically for a while now and feel open to officially exploring, with a trained professional, the possibility that you may be Autisic and/or have ADHD.
✦ Perhaps you’ve been told you have a bunch of other things “wrong” with you and you’re questioning those stories you’ve been told and handing back the shame.
✦ Sadly, right now some of you may feel desperate for answers and suffocated in the process of how to get them. Your life may feel unbearable and the distress just seems to snowball.
✦ Perhaps you’re a bit of all of the above or none of the above, depending on the day.
Whatever the reason, I am glad you are here.
STEP 1
BEGINNING
Do your own research to investigate if you if you are autistic and/or an ADHD’er.
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I encourage you to take the online tests, join some trustworthy online communities and ask questions. It can also be beneficial to speak with other Autstic and/or ADHD'ers.
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If you are a support person, there are communities for support people and family members of loved ones where you can ask questions and get feedback from others who have been in your position.
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HOT TIP: If you are screening yourself for ADHD, try screening for Autism as well to be thorough.
Step 2
choose a professional
Step 2A
Decide if you’d like to be tested online or in-person and if you require a psychologist and/or a psychiatrist.
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A psychologist will thoroughly assess you, often using various questionnaires and diagnostic tools, providing an in-depth evaluation as well as practical support moving forward.
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Only a psychiatrist can prescribe ADHD medication for adults and will likely want to repeat an assessment completed by a psychologist.
Step 2B
You may find that you want an assessment but that the waitlist is extensive.
Consider engaging a psychologist or coach who can work with you on education, skills and strategies to help with everyday life.
Sometimes it’s skills not pills. Other times it’s a combination of both.
Step 3A
A psychologist invests many hours in assessment, often providing reasonably priced services that don't fully reflect their time commitment
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In this space, a high price does not equal premium service. Sometimes professionals can over-assess without necessarily adding value to the client.
STEP 3
fees and offerings
Step 3B
Some will offer a cognitive assessment and although it can elicit helpful information about learning styles and possible undetected learning challenges, it is not necessary to diagnose ADHD or Autism.
Step 3C
If you are 25 and under the care of a psychiatrist they can write a referral that will allow you to access a Medicare rebate for an Autism-only assessment.
The only other compensation you may receive is if you have private health. Please contact your insurer for more information.
Step 4
INFORMATION GATHERING
Begin by jotting down any memories or recollections from childhood or growing up that might be useful for the assessor.
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Try to locate school reports or any documents with feedback. If you can't find them, simply recalling the main points or themes will suffice.
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Engage with the Neurodivergent community, whether online or in person, to gain insight into yourself. You may rediscover buried or masked aspects of yourself through this interaction.
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Seek feedback and input from trusted friends, family members, or professionals.
STEP 5
maximising your experience
If you are not asked directly by the assessor or their admin staff about what your needs are during the assessment process – speak up!
If you prefer email communication, ask for it.
If you’d prefer to split the assessment into one hour blocks, ask for it.
If you’d like to bring a friend or family member or animal, ask for it.
Do you prefer to sit side-on, or do you like to stand and move around? This is your assessment process and if all goes well, you will only be having one of them.
Step 6
follow up
Once the assessment has been completed you will be offered what is often called a “feedback session”. Some are included in the assessment price, while others are optional add-ons. This session is often underestimated in its importance.
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The diagnosis is not the endpoint, it is an opening for exploration.
During these sessions, you can ask questions and discuss recommendations to ensure they're not only understood but relevant to your life. There's a wealth of insights to gain from this session, and having a second set of ears, or even recording it, can be invaluable! Some psychologists may offer multiple feedback sessions as further questions arise after identification.
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I believe in the transformative process that occurs after the identification of your neurotype, which is why I provide up to THREE "Merging sessions" (also known as feedback sessions). These sessions blend coaching with information sharing, guiding you onto the right path and offering intermediate support as you connect with other Neuroaffirmative resources
Navigating Life Beyond Diagnosis
While finally having an understanding of your unique neurotype can be a pivotal moment, it's essential to recognise that the true journey begins after the assessment.
Often, the assessment process can feel impersonal—filling out forms, brief interactions with professionals, and receiving a report without much opportunity for in-depth discussion.
However, a "diagnosis" is not static; it's a dynamic construct that shapes our lives moving forward. It's about more than just understanding the past—it's about how this identification with a neurotype will impact our present and future.
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By openly acknowledging and understanding your neurotypes, we can work towards creating environments that accommodate your diverse ways of thinking and living. This not only benefits you but enriches those closest to you and society as a whole by tapping into your unique perspectives and talents.
I'm here to bridge this gap, providing thoughtful, safe, and gentle support to navigate life beyond the assessment process with Merging Sessions.
