Autism & AuDHD Assessment Overview

Autism & AuDHD Assessment Flow

Intake and Preparation Phase (1-2 Sessions)

  • Intake Session: Review intake paperwork, discuss self-assessments, and build rapport. Set expectations for the assessment process.

  • Send Self-Assessments: Email self-assessment links for the client to complete independently or during an additional scheduled session with the therapist - in case questions arise and/or for executive functioning support via ‘body doubling’..

  • Optional Body Doubling Session: Support clients who may struggle with executive functioning by offering a session to complete self-assessments.

  • Send Sensory Assessment Overview: Encourage the client to take notes on sensory sensitivities before Session 1 including using a tool the therapist has created to gather sensory information.

Clinical Interview Phase (4-5 Sessions)

  • Session 1: Special Interests, Self-Concept, Sensory Assessment Part 1

  • Session 2: Sensory Assessment Part 2, Physical Health, Interoception

  • Session 3: Daily Functioning, Routine & Habits, Sleep Patterns

  • Session 4: Emotional Regulation, Coping Strategies, Trauma History

  • Session 5: Social Communication, Relationships, Strength-Based Assessment

Sometimes, we are able to get through all 5 Sessions worth of conversation in 4 sessions, but I schedule 5 to allow for extra time and time management ease vs. rushing

Session 1: Special Interests, Self-Concept, and Sensory Assessment Part 1

Goals: Build rapport by discussing special interests, explore self-identity, and begin the sensory assessment.

  • Special Interests: Discuss specific interests, hobbies, or areas of expertise to create rapport.

  • Self-Concept and Identity: Explore the client’s self-perception, experiences with masking, and sense of belonging.

  • Sensory Sensitivities - Part 1: Begin assessing sensitivities (e.g., auditory, visual) and how they impact daily life.

Session 2: Sensory Assessment Part 2, Physical Health, and Interoception

Goals: Continue the sensory assessment, with a focus on tactile, olfactory, gustatory, and interoceptive sensitivities.

  • Sensory Sensitivities - Part 2: Assess tactile, olfactory, gustatory, and proprioceptive/vestibular sensitivities.

  • Impact on Physical Health: Explore how sensory sensitivities influence physical health, including reactions to smells, food textures, or specific physical environments.

  • Interoception: Evaluate the client’s awareness of internal bodily sensations (e.g., hunger, thirst, fatigue) and its impact on daily life.

Session 3: Daily Functioning, Routine & Habits, and Sleep Patterns

Goals: Assess executive functioning, daily routines, habits, and the impact of sleep patterns.

  • Daily Functioning: Evaluate challenges with routine tasks, time management, and organization.

  • Routine & Habits: Review daily routines and habits, particularly those used to create structure or manage stress.

  • Sleep Patterns and Regulation: Discuss sleep quality, challenges with falling or staying asleep, and the impact of sleep on mood and functioning.

Session 4: Emotional Regulation, Coping Strategies, and Trauma History

Goals: Explore emotional regulation, coping strategies, and any past trauma or stress-related responses.

  • Emotional Regulation: Discuss experiences with intense emotions, strategies for managing strong feelings, and any patterns of dysregulation.

  • Coping Strategies: Identify successful coping mechanisms and challenges with managing stress.

  • Trauma and Stress Responses: Review any history of trauma, especially related to social experiences, bullying, or stress in work/school settings.

Session 5: Social Communication, Relationships, and Strength-Based Assessment

Goals: Assess social communication skills, relationship patterns, and the client’s strengths and resilience.

  • Social Communication: Discuss challenges with nonverbal cues, small talk, and navigating social expectations.

  • Relationships: Explore patterns in close relationships, friendships, and workplace interactions.

  • Strength-Based Assessment and Resilience: Identify the client’s unique strengths, areas of resilience, and past successes in overcoming challenges.

2-Week Gap for Report Writing & Review of Self-Assessments: Allocate time for a thorough review of interview notes, self-assessments, and observational data.

Post-Assessment and Integration (1-2 Sessions)

  • Report Review Session 1: Discuss the report, key findings, and respond to the client’s questions.

  • Optional Report Review Session 2: Schedule if needed, especially if the client has follow-up questions or complex feedback to process.

Session 6 & 7 : Summary, Self-Advocacy, and Next Steps

Goals: Review findings, provide feedback, discuss self-advocacy, and outline next steps for support or treatment planning.

  • Summary of Findings: Provide feedback on assessment results, highlighting strengths and areas that could benefit from support.

  • Recommendations and Next Steps: Outline recommendations, resources, or referrals for further support, and offer an optional follow-up session if desired.

  • Self-Advocacy: Explore the client’s current strategies for advocating for their needs and discuss ways to strengthen self-advocacy.

Integration & Next Steps (0 - 2+ Sessions)

  • 4-Week Integration Period: Allows the client time to process findings and integrate suggestions.

  • Optional Check-In Session for Treatment Planning + Referral: After the integration period, a check-in to discuss treatment planning or referrals may be helpful.

  • Reports finalized and made available for client to share with other providers and/or Release(s) of information signed for the therapist to share / discuss reports with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The AuDHD assessment is a structured series of sessions designed to explore traits and behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including areas where these traits may overlap. We’ll cover topics such as sensory sensitivities, executive functioning, emotional regulation, social communication, and daily routines. Each session focuses on a specific area to ensure we gain a comprehensive understanding of your strengths, challenges, and unique experiences.

  • A body-doubling session is an optional service that provides additional support while you complete the self-assessment forms. During this session, I’ll be present with you to offer encouragement, accountability, and guidance as you work through the self-assessments.

    This session focuses on supporting any needs/preferences around executive function struggles.

    Body doubling can be especially helpful for those who struggle with executive functioning, focus, or procrastination. You’re not required to do it, but many clients find it beneficial. It is billed as a standard session to the method of payment you are utilizing and focuses on skill building by improving accessibility of the self-assessments, which can be challenging to complete independently, generate questions, and some clients find this session useful.

    Note: this is NOT a requirement or expectation, but is an available accomodation.

  • Before sessions, (upon request) I can send an overview of what we’ll be discussing and some optional prompts for reflection.

    These materials can help you consider specific aspects of your life, such as routines or sensory experiences, and gather your thoughts in advance.

    You’re welcome to bring any notes to our sessions if that helps you feel prepared and/or send notes to me for written review as a part of my report writing.

    Some clients have found this beneficial - especially those who feel most comfortable expressing themselves via writing vs. speaking. This can be discussed in the intake process and is an option, not an expectation.

  • Absolutely, yes.

    If you’re currently working with another therapist, we can coordinate so that our work can include any information about the support you’re already receiving.

    I can provide you with a summary or suggestions on how to share the assessment results with other providers, if that’s something you’d find helpful.

  • Life happens, and rescheduling may be necessary!

    I just ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to change a session time.

    We can work together to find an alternative date that fits within our schedules.

  • Once the assessment is complete, we’ll have a report review session to discuss the findings, recommendations, and next steps.

    I also offer monthly check-in sessions for a few months after the assessment, which can be helpful for those interested in ongoing AuDHD-specific support.

    This is entirely optional and can focus on integrating insights from the assessment into your daily life, identifying resources, and developing self-advocacy skills.

  • Yes, after our assessment sessions, I’ll spend about 1-2 weeks compiling a comprehensive report that summarizes key findings and offers insights into Autism and/or ADHD traits that we identified.

    We’ll review this report together during our final session, where I’ll answer any questions and discuss next steps or recommendations.