ADULT AUTISM ASSESSMENTS
Stop guessing. Start understanding. An affirming path to embracing your neurodivergence.
Finding Clarity in a World Built for Others For many adults, the realization that they might be autistic doesn't happen in a doctor's office as a child. It happens later—after years of feeling "different," experiencing burnout from trying to fit in, or wondering why navigating daily life feels harder for you than for those around you.
At Restorative Psychotherapy, we move away from the old model of looking for "deficits." Instead, we look for your unique operating system. Our assessments are designed to provide clarity, validate your lived experience, and help you move from self-criticism to self-compassion.
Our Approach
More Than Just a Checklist We know that autism in adults—especially those who are high-masking, female, or late-diagnosed—doesn't look like the stereotypes. You may have learned to make eye contact, hold conversations, and "push through" sensory discomfort. That doesn't mean you aren't autistic; it just means you are tired.
We use a Neurodivergence-Affirming lens. This means:
We respect your reality: We believe your internal experience is just as important as your external behavior.
We look at the whole picture: We don't just look for autism; we explore the intersection of ADHD traits, sensory processing, and mental health.
We focus on strengths: Your report will highlight not just your support needs, but the environments where your specific form of neurodivergence thrives.
The Toolkit
Rigorous, Medical-Grade Testing We do not rely on a single test. We use a comprehensive "Multi-Method" battery to triangulate your neurotype. By combining medical "gold standard" tools with modern, affirming measures, we ensure no part of your story is missed.
The Narrative (The Inside View):
MIGDAS-2: A sensory-based interview that allows you to share your lived experience without feeling "interrogated."
CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire): Specifically measures the effort you put into "masking" or hiding your neurodivergence to fit in.
The Observation (The Outside View):
ADOS-2 (Module 4): The medical standard for observing communication styles. Note: We interpret this loosely and compassionately, understanding that many adults can "pass" this test while still being autistic.
The Data (The Traits):
RAADS-R & AQ: To map the frequency and intensity of autistic traits.
Aspie Quiz: A visual tool to map your unique profile.
The Intersection (ADHD & Mental Health):
DIVA-5 & ASRS: Autism and ADHD often go hand-in-hand. We use these structured interviews to screen for ADHD traits to better understand your profile.
PHQ-9 & GAD-7: Standard screeners to ensure we distinguish between neurodivergence, anxiety, and burnout.
Important Note: While we assess for ADHD traits to provide context, this evaluation results in an Autism diagnosis only. We do not provide a formal medical diagnosis for ADHD.
"Curious where to start?" We believe self-diagnosis is valid and often the first step to understanding your neurotype. Below are the same screening tools we use in our practice. feel free to explore them.
Please note: These online calculators are screening tools, not medical diagnoses. Scoring high indicates a strong likelihood of autism, but it does not replace a comprehensive evaluation. If you take these tests and see yourself in the results, contact us to explore what a formal identification could mean for you.
Your Options
Two Paths to the Same Answer We believe access to self-understanding shouldn't be hidden behind a mountain of paperwork. We offer two assessment tiers. Both tiers provide the exact same high-quality clinical testing. The difference is purely in the depth of the written report you receive.
Option 1: The Educational Assessment
Best for: Personal validation, self-understanding, and peace of mind. This "consultation-style" assessment is streamlined to give you answers without the heavy administrative costs of a formal medical report.
What you get: Full testing battery, clinical interview, and a feedback session.
The Output: A 2-3 page "Summary of Findings" letter confirming your neurodivergence and outlining recommendations.
Investment: $1,250
Note: This option typically cannot be used for insurance reimbursement, disability claims, or formal legal accommodations.
Option 2: The Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
Best for: Workplace accommodations (ADA), university support, or formal medical documentation. This is a rigorous, medical-grade evaluation that meets the strict documentation standards required by insurance companies and government agencies.
What you get: Full testing battery, deep record review, and specific screening for co-occurring ADHD traits.
The Output: A 15+ page Comprehensive Diagnostic Report including full developmental history, DSM-5 criteria, and standardized scoring tables.
Investment: $2,600
Note: We can provide a Superbill for this service for you to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Payment & Insurance Notes:
HSA / FSA Accepted: You can use your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account cards for either option.
Payment Schedule: We ask for 50% at the time of scheduling and the remaining 50% on the day of your assessment for either option.
Insurance: For Option 2, we provide a Superbill for you to submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
The Process
What to Expect
The Intake (Virtual or In-person): We meet on a secure video call to discuss your history and what brings you here. You can do this from the comfort of your own home—sweatpants encouraged. We will discuss your goals and determine which assessment path is right for you. You will complete several digital questionnaires (like the RAADS and ASRS) at home.
The Assessment (In person if in Twin Cities area): We spend 2–4 hours together. This isn't a "test" you can fail. It’s a series of conversations, activities, and observations using the ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2 frameworks. We move at your pace—breaks are encouraged.
Why In-Person? Accurate autism assessments requires observing more than just facial expressions. We need to see how your whole body responds to the environment, how you move, and how you regulate (stimming, fidgeting, posture).
The Environment: Our office is designed to be sensory-friendly. You are welcome to bring your own comfort items, fidgets, or support person.
The Tools: We use the ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2, which is an interactive observation tool that is most valid when administered face-to-face..
The Feedback: About 4 weeks later, we meet to go over your results. We will discuss your diagnosis (if applicable), look at your data together, and discuss a plan for living authentically.
FAQ
Common Questions
What if I also think I have ADHD?
We definitely check for that! We use specific tools (DIVA-5 and ASRS) to see if you have an "AuDHD" (Autism + ADHD) profile, as this changes how we approach your support plan.
Please Note: While we screen for these traits to give you a complete picture, we do not provide a formal medical diagnosis of ADHD. If your results suggest high levels of ADHD, we can refer you to a specialist for that specific diagnosis and medication management.
Will this go on my permanent medical record?
If you choose the Educational Option ($1,250), the results remain private to you and our practice file.
If you choose the Comprehensive Option ($2,600) and submit a Superbill to insurance, the diagnosis will become part of your medical record.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer for either option.
Contact us today!
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you need a formal diagnosis for work or just want to finally understand your own story, we are here to help.