When you’re an adult seeking autism testing, finding the right clinician is crucial. It’s important to ensure that the person you choose to work with is not only knowledgeable about autism but also neurodiversity-affirming. This means they respect and understand the diverse ways autism can present in adults, and they approach the assessment process with an open mind and a supportive attitude, not a gatekeeping approach.

As a Psychologist who specializes in psychological testing, every day, people ask me whether I take insurance. Some are just checking, not really expecting me to accept it. Others are hoping to use their insurance, so they seek out in-network providers. Then there’s a group that, upon learning I don’t take insurance, becomes very angry. Once, someone even told me, “You’re what’s wrong with the healthcare system in America. You’re why we’re in a mental health crisis.” While I understand the frustration of not being able to use insurance, it still hurts to hear such things. It’s not about greed, nor is it my intention to limit access to care. In fact, I would love to take insurance—I did for nine years. But ultimately, it became an unsustainable business practice, and the fault lies with the insurance companies.

Adult ADHD often plays a significant, yet misunderstood role in romantic relationships. From daily interactions to long-term commitments, the dynamics of partnerships can be uniquely challenged by the symptoms of ADHD. This article will explore how ADHD can impact relationships and provide practical advice on communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy, fulfilling partnership.

If you're reading this, chances are you've been on a journey to understand yourself better, seeking answers to questions that have lingered for far too long. You may have found yourself questioning whether you could be autistic, only to be met with dismissive responses or misdiagnoses from other providers. I understand the frustration, the uncertainty, and the fear that comes with feeling misunderstood and overlooked.

Parents play a pivotal role in their child's academic journey, especially when the child is neurodivergent. Children with ADHD often exhibit remarkable creativity, energy, and the ability to think outside the box. These strengths, when harnessed effectively, can lead to academic success and a fulfilling educational experience. Here are some strategies parents can use at home to support their children with ADHD in a way that affirms their neurodiversity and promotes academic achievement.

Do you ever feeling like you are navigating through life with a sense that your experiences are somehow different from those around you? Do you ever find that things that come easily to others are difficult for you? If so, it could be that your brain works a bit differently because of ADHD. If you're considering ADHD testing as an adult, you've taken a commendable step towards understanding and embracing your unique cognitive profile. Here's what you can expect during the process of adult ADHD testing, which we approach from a place of respect for neurodiversity and individual strengths.

Understanding and supporting a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile of autism, can be a challenging journey. However, by adopting a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach, we can help our children to thrive. Let's dive into some strategies that can be helpful.

In this article, we will focus on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a distinct and often misunderstood profile of autism. PDA is a term coined by Elizabeth Newson in the 1980’s to describe a specific profile of autism characterized by extreme anxiety, demand avoidance, and a need for control. Some people prefer the term Pervasive Drive for Autonomy to represent PDA because of the desire to maintain control and autonomy in one’s environment. Unlike other forms of autism, individuals with PDA often display a high level of social understanding and can be highly skilled at masking their difficulties, making it challenging to identify their needs.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects a person's emotions, behavior, and relationships with others. It is estimated that about 1.6% of the US population has BPD, and it is more commonly diagnosed in women than men. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for BPD.

ADHD can be very stressful and can impact daily life and productivity. It can lead to difficulties with your job, home life, and other relationships. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, or suspect that you may have it, it is important to learn strategies to manage it. Here are some tips to help you better manage adult ADHD.

We have been seeing an increasing number of adults seeking testing for autism. Unfortunately, many of these people have already seen other Psychologists and other mental health professionals and have been told that they have pretty much every other diagnosis except autism. On more than one occasion, we have seen someone say that they have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, anxiety, and depression – all different diagnoses for one person, yet none of these diagnoses feel quite right for them.

In this blog post, we are going to be reviewing some common signs of autism in adults. It is important to note that each autistic person has a unique experience and may have different strengths, challenges, and ways of coping. A neurodiversity-affirming approach to autism values and celebrates this diversity, instead of viewing autism as a problem to be fixed.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as something that affects children, but it can certainly affect adults as well. About 4.4% of adults in the United States have ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD in adults may include difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.