Strengths-Based and Neurodiversity Affirming Diagnostic Evaluations for ADHD + Autism
a collaborative + non-pathologizing approach provided virtually to Maryland residents by Courtney Hart, LCSW-C
Understanding ADHD and Autism Evaluations
For those who seek it—at any age—navigating the formal diagnostic process can be confusing and overwhelming! I believe that we each deserve a chance to understand ourselves more clearly, so I worked hard to try to design an evaluation process that respects your own individuality and unique complexity, every step of the way.
Diagnostic evaluation with me is a collaborative journey for individuals ages 8 and up to explore formal, clinical diagnosis for ADHD and/or Autism, guided by the DSM-5-TR, the standardized tool for diagnosing mental health and cognitive disorders in the United States.
Although PDA, pathological demand avoidance, is not formally recognized in the United States, I also have specialized training to explore if this profile of Autism could match with your or your loved ones’ experiences.
Benefits of Formal Diagnosis
Choosing to explore a formal diagnosis of ADHD and Autism is an important step toward greater self-understanding. Our evaluations are designed not just to provide you with a diagnosis but to offer insights that empower you to align more deeply with your values and enhance your holistic wellness. By engaging in this process, you can expect to gain:
Comprehensive understanding and personal insight into neurodiversity.
Support for making informed decisions about education, career, and personal development.
Enhanced ability to advocate for necessary accommodations and understanding.
Guidance on selecting appropriate educational paths and therapeutic approaches.
Improved relationships and deeper, more authentic connections.
Strategies for building long-term resilience and well-being.
Connections to community resources and support networks.
My Approach
At the core of my approach is a deep respect for neurodiversity and an understanding that each person's experience is unique. I believe that an evaluation should be a journey of discovery, not just a clinical assessment. Therefore, I use a collaborative, strengths-based method that focuses on understanding and validating your personal experiences rather than pathologizing them.
During our time together, we will explore various aspects of your development and life experiences using both qualitative and quantitative tools chosen to provide a comprehensive view of your traits and experiences of the world, highlighting your strengths as well as areas where you may need support.
I am committed to providing an environment that is as inclusive and free of judgment as I can make it. I actively reject traditional medical models that often marginalize neurodivergent, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Instead, I operate from a social model of disability lens, guided by my professional background as a clinical social worker, recognizing societal barriers as an impact on disability rather than focusing on diagnosis and ‘treatment.’
What to Expect
My evaluation process is designed to be thorough, thoughtful, and timely—from evaluation to report. On average, I spend about 10 hours on each diagnostic evaluation I complete: collecting collateral information, writing your report, and reviewing feedback with you.
Initial Inquiry Form: When you are ready to start the process, complete the evaluation inquiry form with the relevant information. I will review it within 1 week of submission and reach out to you with further details. If we are a good fit to work together, we will connect for a consultation call. If not, I can provide referrals.
Initial Consultation Call: During our initial complimentary phone consultation, we talk details to make sure we’re a good fit for each other and that you understand the evaluation process and potential outcomes fully. If we both think we’re a match to work together, we will schedule your evaluation.
Diagnostic Evaluation: Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative tools, we explore various aspects of ADHD and Autism diagnosis based on the most updated DSM-5-TR criteria. The tools evaluate diagnostic criteria for ADHD and Autism along with other parts of neurodiversity to rule in or out formal diagnosis.
The diagnostic evaluation process with me varies by age:
Adults: You’ll complete some evaluation tools before we meet, you’ll participate in a comprehensive diagnostic interview and real-time process with me, and I will get supplementary information from parties that you permit me to coordinate with, like your co-parent, therapist, school, work, or partner.
Minors: We’ll start with an in-depth parent interview session, you and your child will complete evaluation tools in between sessions, your child will participate in a comprehensive diagnostic interview and real-time process with me, and I will get supplementary information—as permitted by you—from their school, therapist, other providers, or other parents.
Feedback Session: About two weeks after the evaluation is complete, we meet for a follow-up session to review your evaluation and discuss the outcomes along with your strengths, sensory profile, and more. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and we will discuss recommendations prior to finalizing your report.
Written Report: Following our feedback session, you will receive a copy of the formal report detailing the findings and recommendations. This report aims to empower you with knowledge and practical suggestions tailored to support your journey towards self-acceptance and enhanced well-being.
Rates & Insurance
I am out of network with ALL insurance companies. This means that you have more autonomy in the disclosure of any diagnoses that result from the diagnostic evaluation process. It also gives me more freedom to provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations designed to promote overall wellness rather than those dictated by managed care companies. This also means that you pay me directly for services and that your insurance company may or may not reimburse you for our work together, dependent on your plan including out-of-network benefits and deductible along with my licensure (LCSW-C), service codes, and diagnosis.
I understand that you likely already pay a significant amount of money for health insurance—so do I—and that diagnostic evaluation is a significant investment of your energy and finances. In an attempt to provide accessible evaluations, within my capacity as a solo practitioner in the DMV area, I use a system of mutual aid called an equitable pricing model.
Those who participate in diagnostic evaluation with me are asked to pause and reflect on their earning power, employment status, the ease with which they meet their basic needs, and their ability to contribute to the well-being of the broader community through mutual aid. This reflection may bring about discomfort, and though challenging, it is crucial.
Equitable Rate: $1250. This rate is set above the standard and is designed for those who have a higher degree of financial privilege and can actively redistribute resources within our community, supporting those who benefit from the Accessible Rate.
Sustainable Rate: $1000. This is the standard fee for service, reflective of the cost of living and operating a mental health business in Maryland, contributing to the stability and longevity of my practice, and ensuring that I can continue offering services that are accessible to all.
Accessible Rate: $750. This rate is set below the standard cost of services and embodies a commitment to mutual aid, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede access to healing.
For more information on equitable pay scales, check out "Embracing an Equitable Sliding Scale" by Britt Hawthorne or review the detailed information by Rachel Boggan on their “Equitable Pricing Model.”
Evaluation Limitations
It’s important to know that some education, medical, and support programs still require diagnoses from specific healthcare providers.
Although I have specialized through training and consultation to be able to provide evaluations for ADHD and Autism, you may need to provide diagnoses from a developmental pediatrician or psychologist for certain formal requirements, including the Autism Waiver program in Maryland.
Diagnostic evaluations are not psychological, educational psych, or neuropsych assessments nor do they assess for learning differences, measures of intelligence, or other doctoral-level specific measures. If you have been recommended this type of comprehensive assessment—which may be able to evaluate for learning differences, processing speeds, and measures of intelligence—I am happy to provide you with referrals.
The limitations mentioned above do not diminish the validity of your evaluation with me but are the reality in the current healthcare landscape—which is entrenched in the medicalization and pathologizing of neurodiversity—and it is important to me you make as informed decisions as possible.
As someone who values transparency, I am happy to talk more with you about the benefits and limitations of diagnostic evaluation during our consultation call.