Autism Testing
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome are social disabilities that develop from birth or early childhood. ADOS testing is included in all autism evaluations. Most families can be scheduled for an appointment the same month they contact me. Early diagnosis and intervention are proven to provide the best outcomes for children with autism. Diagnosis and therapy for adults can reduce stress and map out actions to better manage relationships, work, college choice, and living situations.
Autism Diagnostic Consultation
Some people suspect or think they might be someone with a mild case of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Asperger’s Syndrome, but have never received a formal diagnosis. This consultation process, usually 4-6 hours of in-person meeting, is designed to answer questions about possible autism with less time and cost of a formal evaluation. This consultation process results in an informal letter to the client with recommendations for how to proceed. The letter is not usually sufficient to file for disability classification or school/work accommodations.
School & Academic Testing
Problems with academics in school can occur for a variety of reasons including learning disabilities, low motivation, improper classroom placement, and sometimes anxiety, depression, or stressful events. Children applying to competitive private schools often need cognitive testing as part of the application process. Testing targeted to understand learning and school-based skills can help to clarify these issues or support a school application. Testing appointments are generally available in 1-2 months.
ADHD Testing & Behavioral Evaluations
Problems with attention, impulsiveness, and disorganization can sabotage an otherwise bright and motivated child, teen or adult. Lots of negative feedback can shift a love of learning into a dread of homework and Monday mornings. Other behavioral problems at school can also get in the way of of learning and good classroom behavior. Ratings scales and interviews can point out areas where a child needs help and support and highlight strengths to be used to support improved performance. Adults with ADHD can better access systems and supports to help them succeed at work and improve relationships at home through targeted therapy and possibly medication referrals.
Gender Surgery Recommendation Letters
Folks seeking gender confirmation (also called gender affirmation) surgery are often required to submit recommendation letters to their medical provider before care can be provided or scheduled. We conduct evaluations for letters (single letter or second “doctoral” letter) based on a informed consent model. Letters cover all areas required by insurance, physicians, and the WPATH international care guidelines.
While rare now, letters are sometimes needed to start hormone therapy, also called hormone replacement therapy or HRT.
IEP Review and meeting coaching
Annual IEP reviews can feel daunting for parents who are not teachers or trained educators. Other meetings may feel very pro forma and it may be difficult to get answers to your questions about how well your child is learning. Preparation for annual IEP meetings and advance review of records can help get answers to your questions and improve planning for the next school year.
Intellectual Disability (ID/MR) Testing
Intellectual Disability (formerly known as Mental Retardation or MR) is a developmental condition of slowed learning that results in a child needing very special education, and often living support, as they mature into adulthood. Having an ID diagnosis opens up access to a variety of resources for all ages. Once a family decides to go forward with testing an appointment is usually available within 1-2 months.
Accommodations Requests Testing
College and graduate school admissions, along with some professional licenses, usually require high-stakes standardized tests such as the SAT, GMAT, GRE, or bar exam. Students and adults with documented learning disability needs can sometimes access accommodations such as additional time or specialized testing conditions with proper documentation.
Child & Family Therapy, Parenting Coaching
Kids can have problems with anxiety, depression, and adjusting to life events - although their symptoms tend to be different in some ways from adults. Stressful events, blending families, and the regular stresses of modern life can lead to lots of arguing and fights. Therapy and parent coaching can help children and families address these problems in more effective ways that can reduce conflict and stress.
LGBTQ+ Therapy
Living as an LGBTQ+ kid, teen, or adult can be very stressful, confusing, or hard. Some people feel a lot of pressure inside themself or from their family and friends to "figure it out." People who present and live as gender queer or transgender can face a lot of discrimination in day-to-day living. Therapy can help to cope with stresses and "figure it out" based on the person's wants, needs, and concerns.
Adult Therapy
Stressful events and biological factors like a predisposition to anxiety or depression can make life hard to manage. Talking through events, finding constructive ways to face recurring problems, and support during stressful events can help to find a way through the problems. Lifetime diagnoses like autism, bipolar disorder, or chronic depression can be managed with the right supports.
Pre-adoption Evaluation
Some US adoption agencies and many international adoptions require a brief mental health exam and certification letter as part of the application process. Testing procedures are usually fairly brief and targeted, but depend on specific agency and country requirements.
