ASSESSMENT SERVICE

Abbreviated Autism Assessment

Brief, neurodiversity-affirming evaluations to help you clarify and validate your experience.

Have you ever thought, "I’ve always felt different, but I’m not sure why," and wondered if autism might be the key to unlocking your self- understanding? Maybe you’ve immersed yourself in research, watched videos online, and thought, "That’s me," but worry that others may dismiss your self-awareness. Perhaps you’re ready to have your self-discovery affirmed by someone who understands neurodivergence rather than questions it. At Asha Mental Health, we believe your self-knowledge matters.

Our abbreviated autism assessment is designed for adults who have done their homework, highly suspect they’re autistic, and want straightforward confirmation without the time, complexity, or cost of a full comprehensive evaluation. It’s about validation, not second-guessing.

Am I autistic?

 

Many of the adults we work with describe feeling like they’re navigating a world that wasn’t designed with them in mind. Maybe you’ve noticed that social interactions feel exhausting, even if they seem effortless for others. Perhaps certain textures, sounds, or environments leave you overwhelmed, while routines and predictability bring comfort and calm.

Autism is often missed due to common misconceptions about what it looks like and how it presents—especially in individuals who mask or have learned to "blend in." Traditional portrayals often focus on stereotypes rather than the breadth of true autistic experiences. You may have been told you’re "too sensitive" or "too much," and you’ve worked hard to fit in, often hiding or masking the parts of yourself that feel different. But deep down, you know there’s more to your story—one that makes sense when viewed through the lens of neurodivergence.

Here are some common experiences our clients share:

  • Feeling out of step in social settings or needing time to recharge after interactions.

  • Strong sensory sensitivities, such as struggling with certain textures, sounds, or lights.

  • A deep reliance on routines and predictability to feel at ease.

  • A history of feeling misunderstood or labeled for traits that are a core part of who you are.

If any of this resonates with you, our assessment is here to provide language for your experiences and help you better understand yourself.

What Does Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment Mean?

 

A neurodiversity-affirming assessment is rooted in respect and recognition of the diverse ways in which human brains operate. Instead of viewing ADHD or autism solely through a deficit-based lens, we embrace the concept of different neurotypes and honor how you uniquely experience and navigate the world. A neurotype is simply how your brain processes information, experiences emotion and interacts with the world – no neurotype is better or “more right” than the other, they’re simply different.

We’re not here to check boxes—we’re here to connect dots. Your unique strengths and quirks? They’re part of the story we’re here to understand.  

Here’s what that means for you:

  • Strengths-Based Approach: We focus on your strengths and unique abilities, not just the challenges you face.

  • Respect and Validation: Your experiences and feelings are valid. We listen without judgment and trust your lived experiences.

  • Cultural Sensitivity: We consider how your cultural background and experiences intersect with your neurodiversity, ensuring a holistic understanding of your identity.

  • Empowerment: Our goal is to help you understand yourself and feel more confident in who you are.

  • Collaborative Process: We see you as the expert in your life and make this process a partnership.

What’s Included in an Abbreviated Assessment?

Our abbreviated autism assessment includes:

  • A clinical interview to explore your experiences and strengths.

  • Screening measures for autism traits, masking, and sensory processing.

  • A 3-5 page summary report confirming your diagnosis and offering helpful recommendations.

  • Access to our resource library filled with guidance tailored for autistic adults.

We also offer virtual options for added flexibility and recognize that many clients feel more comfortable completing assessments in familiar environments. This process is designed to support individuals who may mask their traits and create a safe, affirming space where you can be yourself. Our team understands how self-diagnosis and masking often intersect, particularly for those from marginalized communities, and we’re committed to providing assessments that honor your lived experience

Let's Do this

Why Choose an Abbreviated Assessment Over a Comprehensive One?

A abbreviated assessment is ideal if you’re seeking validation without the longer timelines and detailed testing involved in comprehensive evaluations. Here’s why you might choose this option:

  • You’ve already done extensive self-reflection and research.

  • You feel certain about your experiences and need a formal confirmation for accommodations or self-knowledge.

  • You prefer a more concise and efficient process that focuses on essentials while still offering insights and support.

For those who need an in-depth exploration of overlapping diagnoses, a comprehensive assessment may still be recommended, but a abbreviated assessment provides a solid, affirming first step.

If you’re reading this and thinking “well shit, maybe I do want a comprehensive assessment,” we’ve got you covered- check out our Comprehensive Autism Assessments to learn more.

The Abbreviated Assessment Process

Our abbreviated autism diagnostic process is designed to provide you with validation and clarity in a streamlined manner. You can meet with us remotely or in person, and you are encouraged to be your full, comfy, quirky, fidgety self.

Navigating Cost: Our Economic Justice Sliding Scale Explained

Thoughtful and affirming ADHD assessments require significant time, expertise, and specialized training to ensure that your unique experiences are understood and respected. However, we know this level of care comes with costs that can be difficult to access for some, which is why we offer a sliding scale.

Our sliding scale, inspired by the Green Bottle model created by Alexis J Cunningfolk (read more here), is designed to make care more accessible while promoting equity and sustainability. The idea is simple but impactful: each "bottle" represents a different tier of financial contribution, empowering you to choose the fee that aligns with your financial reality.

We believe that everyone should have access to compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming care, regardless of financial circumstances. This approach reflects our values of inclusion and social justice while also helping us sustain our practice and support others who need lower-cost options. When you select your tier thoughtfully, you contribute to a community of care that prioritizes fairness and accessibility for all.

How does it work?

Our sliding scale is designed to reflect different levels of financial privilege and access. Inspired by the Green Bottle model, each "bottle" represents a different tier of financial contribution, helping you choose a payment option that aligns with your current financial reality

  • The Left Bottle (Top Tier) represents individuals who have financial stability and can contribute the full fee, supporting the overall sustainability of our practice.

    The Middle Bottle (Moderate Tier) reflects individuals who may need to budget but can still meet basic needs with some financial trade-offs.

  • The Right Bottle (Lower Tier) is for those experiencing significant financial hardship who may otherwise be unable to access services.

We trust you to choose the tier that aligns with your reality—no formal documentation or financial disclosures required. We ask that you select mindfully, as lower-tier spots are limited and reserved for those facing significant financial need.

The cost of our Abbreviated Autism Assessment is $2,750

If you are interested in applying for a sliding scale assessment option, you can access the application form when completing the assessment interest forms. Please note that due to limited availability, middle and right bottle spots may have longer wait times.

Let’s get started

Ready to confirm what you already know and gain clarity on your neurodivergent journey? Our abbreviated autism assessment offers validation without the overwhelm. With a straightforward process, supportive professionals, and flexible options, we're here to help you feel seen, understood, and empowered. Let’s take the next step together—schedule your assessment today!

Hear Priyanka on the I Have ADHD Podcast

Priyanka was recently a guest on the I Have ADHD Podcast with Kristen Carder. Hear her talk about all things Women & ADHD, her own experience as a late diagnosed BIPOC ADHDer, the overlap between ADHD & Autism, neurodiversity-affirming care, and multiculturally inclusive care.

Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here and Spotify here.

 

FAQS

  • No, our assessments are designed for adults 18 and older.

  • No, abbreviated assessments are not covered by insurance. However, we offer a sliding scale and CareCredit options to keep assessments accessible.

  • We understand that high masking can make it harder to have your experiences recognized. Our assessors are trained to recognize subtle traits of autism in individuals who may mask heavily or have been socialized to "blend in." We trust your self-awareness and provide validation and support to help you embrace your neurodivergence.

  • We offer both virtual and in-person options for flexibility. Either way, you can wear your comfiest clothes and be free to stim and fidget to your heart’s content.

  • You’ll have a feedback session about 2 weeks after your assessment, and the report is sent 2-3 weeks afterward.

  • We’re happy to help with that! If you’re primarily looking for validation, the abbreviated assessment may work best for you. If you want a deeper exploration, consider the comprehensive evaluation. And if you want to talk it through with us before deciding, fill out the interest form and we’ll collaborate with you to decide.