I offer strength-based, neuroaffirming evaluations for professionally identifying autism. I specialize in recognizing autism in intelligent, female, and nuanced presentations.
Self-Identifying with Autism
Because formal identification is time-consuming and expensive, and the wait-lists are long, it is not an option for everyone. People are encouraged to self-identify and connect with the autistic community if that is meaningful for them. It is free, and you have full control over the process.
If you would like to have a professional look over your self-report online tests, meet you, and answer your questions, I would be happy to schedule a one-time screening session to let you know if your profile is consistent or inconsistent with autism. For some people, this level of validation is sufficient.
The cost of the screening is $200 for 60 minutes. This process includes a screening summary you can share with care providers.
Here are some informed consent issues to consider before choosing to be professionally identified as Autistic.
Location
The evaluation is only available in person in Montrose, Colorado.
Assessment Process
The evaluation includes the administration of an IQ test (WAIS-IV or Stanford Binet 5), and any combination of the following tests as applicable: ADOS-2, ADI-R, MIGDAS-2, and SRS-2. It also includes a variety of self-report measures and clinical interviews. The ADOS-2 and the ADI-R are considered to be the gold standards for evidence-based autism assessments.
The process starts with a screening intake and/or taking self-report measures online. If the information presented suggests that autism should be ruled out, scheduling for the assessments will proceed.
Early Childhood Information
I need to be able to interview someone who knew the client from birth to age 5. Usually, I interview parents, caregivers, and/or older siblings. If no one is available to answer questions on what the client was like in early childhood, I can sometimes make an exception if that information is available from baby books, pictures, and/or stories that were told.
Estimated Time Needed
The testing and interviews will take about 5-8 hours.
Cost
$2500 for both autism & ADHD.
Here is a sample report for an autism & ADHD evaluation. When it is completed, it is usually around 40 pages long.
Payment
I am currently scheduling clients who are self-pay (no insurances). I take credit cards, and I can work out a payment plan as needed.
I am a vendor for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Clients (age 15 or above) can apply for services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) through the State of Colorado. You may (or may not) be eligible for an evaluation paid for by DVR.
Because of recent budget constraints, DVR may not be able to pay the full amount I charge. If you are not on Medicaid, we can work out a payment plan for the difference.
Clients with Medicaid
I am no longer accepting Medicaid clients for testing. Medicaid reimburses at an extremely low rate that is not sustainable.
Federal and state regulations prohibit providers from accepting cash from Medicaid clients. Even if a family member pays for the client, providers are not allowed to accept the cash for the service.
Contact Me to Get Started
If you are interested in an evaluation or one-session screening for autism, please call, text, or email me. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
(970) 275-2179 (call or text)
helen@montrosecounseling.net
Other Service Providers
List of other service providers who evaluate for autism
Credentials
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with two years graduate coursework and supervised experience in psychometrics and assessments
Continuing education on autism, autism diagnosis, and ADHD (2020 to present)
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Addiction Counselor
Mont Rose Counseling, LLC 