Neurodiversity-Affirming Autism Evaluations
We offer a supportive, collaborative, and validating space to explore if an Autism diagnosis fits your lived experience. Our process is rooted in the neurodiversity-affirming model, treating you as the expert on your own life, not just as a set of traits to be observed.
About Our Autism Evaluation Services
Our clinicians at Neely Psychological Services specialize in modern, nuanced presentations of Autism, including in adults, high-masking individuals, and clients of all gender expressions. We have extensive experience providing affirming, knowledgeable evaluations for gender-diverse, non-binary, and high-intellect (HICAP) individuals. We focus on your lived experiences, social history, and internal world—not just on outdated, external criteria. Our goal is to help you find a narrative that empowers you.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) requires a comprehensive evaluation by a trained clinician who is experienced in diverse presentations of neurodivergence. An accurate evaluation includes several components, including behavioral observation and a structured diagnostic assessment of social traits, repetitive behaviors, restricted/fixated interests, and sensory experiences. Neeley Psychological Services' assessment protocol includes the psychological testing industry's best practices and leading assessment instruments. A detailed written diagnostic report will be provided at the conclusion of the assessment.
Neeley Psychological Services recognizes that many clients seeking an ASD evaluation, especially adults, have concerns about the diagnostic process and whether their traits will be acknowledged. Our process is very collaborative and identity-affirming. We strive to make the process supportive, validating, and educational. Your clinician will focus on your lived experiences, which are even more important than any data obtained from a clinical diagnostic tool. The goal is to reach a diagnostic outcome that offers an affirming and helpful lens through which to view your traits and life narrative.
A Strength-Based Approach to Autism Testing
Our team utilizes the latest clinical instruments and gold-standard practices to deliver accurate testing for autism. However, our difference lies in our perspective. We focus on identifying your unique strengths, cognitive style, and personal needs, providing results that are empowering and actionable. This approach moves beyond simply cataloging deficits, instead creating a profile that highlights potential and supports self-advocacy. We ensure the evaluation process is collaborative, allowing the client's lived experience to shape the interpretation of all standardized metrics.
Understanding the Neurodiversity Paradigm
The neurodiversity paradigm views autism as a natural variation of the human brain, not a disorder to be cured. Our autism evaluations respect this viewpoint, guiding the testing and feedback process with empathy and cultural sensitivity. This commitment means we avoid pathologizing typical autistic traits and instead focus on providing strategies for navigating a neurotypical world. We interpret assessment data through a lens that values diverse thinking, ensuring the feedback session empowers individuals rather than labeling them. This ensures the results provide a map for accommodating and leveraging your inherent abilities.
The Comprehensive Evaluation Process
Our structured evaluation typically involves clinical interviews, psychological questionnaires, and observational assessments, all tailored to the individual's age and needs. This multi-faceted approach ensures a thorough and reliable result, whether you are seeking adult autism testing or an evaluation for a child. We walk you through every step, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout.
Testing For Autism Across the Lifespan
We provide specialized testing for autism for clients of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults. Recognizing that autism presents differently at various life stages, our clinicians adjust their assessment tools and strategies to ensure relevance and accuracy. For adults, this often involves focusing on executive function challenges and complex social masking; for children, the emphasis is on developmental milestones and play observation. This age-appropriate methodology ensures that the evaluation captures the individual's unique presentation accurately, leading to more tailored and useful post-diagnostic support. No matter your age, we are committed to delivering a respectful and insightful diagnostic experience.
What Happens After Your Autism Evaluation?
Receiving your diagnosis is just the beginning. We provide a detailed feedback session, a comprehensive report, and personalized recommendations for next steps, including therapeutic support or educational accommodations. The report is not merely a list of diagnostic criteria; it serves as a robust personal profile that outlines both challenges and areas of strength. We ensure the feedback session is a collaborative dialogue, helping you understand how the results translate into real-world strategies for improved well-being and function. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge needed to thrive. We believe the results should open doors to resources, not limitations.
Ready to find clarity and acceptance with a supportive team?
Neeley Psychological Services is here to provide the affirming Autism Evaluations you seek. Take the next step toward a deeper understanding of yourself or your loved one by contacting our Camas or Washougal office today.