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Julie Bjelland
 

Autism Assessments & Discovery Sessions

 

Supportive, affirming spaces to understand your autistic identity
by Julie Bjelland, LMFT

Discovering you may be autistic—especially later in life—can bring both clarity and complexity. Whether you're just beginning to explore or ready to confirm your identity, you're not alone. These sessions offer a safe, validating space rooted in lived experience and professional expertise.

Why You Might Be Here

Maybe you’ve spent years wondering why life feels more overwhelming, confusing, or exhausting than it seems for others. You’ve likely read, researched, and listened to stories; something resonated deeply.

You may be thinking: Could I be autistic?

But when your experience doesn’t fit the stereotypes—or you’ve spent decades masking—it’s easy to be overlooked or misunderstood.

Many sensitive, internal processors and high-masking autistic adults have been misidentified, invalidated, or told they’re “just anxious” or “too sensitive.” And traditional assessments often fail to recognize the deeply felt, nuanced experience of what I call the sensitive autistic phenotype.

This is why I created these sessions—to offer you a safe, compassionate, and neurodiversity-affirming way to discover the truth of who you are.

Note about Privacy

Autism assessments with me are completely private and for your personal understanding, validation, and self-awareness. No information is reported to any outside parties, agencies, or insurance companies. The results are for your own private use and can be shared only at your discretion.


✨ Two Supportive Options

1. Discovery Consultation

$275 | 50 minutes
🌍 Available Worldwide
🎥 Video | 🎧 Audio | 💬 Live Text Chat

A compassionate, affirming space to explore whether you may be autistic.
Bring your questions and gain clarity—both about whether your traits align with autism and how to better support yourself in daily life.

2. Diagnostic Confirmation Session

$600 | 90 minutes, with break (includes one-page documentation)
📍 Must Be Physically in California at Time of Session (Residency Not Required)
🎥 Video Only

A full, interview-based autism assessment with the option to receive formal confirmation and documentation, rooted in compassion and clinical expertise.


1. Discovery Consultation

This session is ideal if you're beginning to explore autism or seeking affirmation of your self-identification. It’s also a helpful first step if you're unsure whether a full assessment is right for you.

What’s Included:
– One-on-one session with Julie Bjelland, LMFT
– Reflection on your experiences through a neurodiversity-affirming lens
– Identification of traits associated with the sensitive autistic phenotype
– Gentle guidance around next steps

Session Format:
Held via secure Zoom. Choose video, audio-only, or live text chat based on your comfort and processing style.

Please Note:
This is not a diagnostic session and does not include formal documentation. However, it often provides clarity, relief, and a deeper understanding of yourself.


2. Diagnostic Confirmation Session

This option is for adults who are ready to explore whether they meet the criteria for autism through a comprehensive, strengths-based process.

What’s Included:
– A full, interview-based autism assessment
– Conducted by Julie Bjelland, LMFT
– Built-in breaks and supportive pacing for your nervous system
– Real-time validation, insights, and space to ask questions
– A confirmation letter (if autism is confirmed)

Session Format:
Secure Zoom video only.
You must physically be in California during your session to receive formal documentation.
📝 You do not need to be a resident—just present in the state.


What to Expect (for Diagnostic Confirmation)

The session is gently paced and structured to honor your processing needs.

Part 1 – 45 min:
Welcome, informed consent, and beginning the interview-style assessment

15-min Break

Part 2– 30 min:
Review of findings, space for questions, and discussion of next steps or support options

💛 You are always welcome to pause, ask questions, or express your needs throughout.


Meet Your Assessor

Julie Bjelland, LMFT

I’m Julie—a licensed therapist, author, and adult-discovered autistic person. I specialize in supporting sensitive neurodivergent individuals, especially those who relate to the sensitive autistic phenotype—an internal and often overlooked expression of autism. Over the past decade, I’ve supported thousands of adult-discovered autistic individuals. My approach blends lived experience with professional clinical insight, and always centers compassion, validation, and empowerment.


Why Diagnosis Matters

For many, a diagnosis brings:

✔ Relief
✔ Validation
✔ Self-understanding
✔ Permission to unmask
✔ Clarity around needs and strengths

“I finally feel kind toward myself.”
“It explained everything—and gave me hope again.”
“Now I understand why I’ve always felt different.”


This Is More Than a Diagnosis

This is a path to reclaim your story—and begin showing up for yourself with gentleness and truth. Whether you're beginning to explore or ready to confirm, I’m here to walk beside you.

🗓️ Ready to Begin?


Have Questions?

Read my Frequently Asked Questions below 👇

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Autism Assessments for Adults

    My assessment process is designed to be validating, supportive, and deeply personalized. Rather than relying on outdated checklists or narrow criteria, I take time to understand your internal world—your lived experiences, how you process life, and what makes you uniquely you.

    The assessment is conducted in one comprehensive video session (90 minutes total) with a built-in break for rest and regulation. This extended, grounded format gives us the space to explore gently and thoroughly—something especially important for adults, and particularly women, whose traits have often been misunderstood or overlooked.

    As a late-identified autistic woman myself, I know how powerful and emotional this discovery can be. My approach centers both clinical expertise and lived experience, offering education, emotional support, and space to process what arises.

    What We’ll Explore Together:

    • Sensory experiences – sensitivities, preferences, and regulation strategies

    • Cognitive style – passions, routines, structure, and how your mind processes the world

    • Social experiences – from childhood to adulthood, including relationships and communication

    • Your questions and reflections – space for your voice and your process throughout

    Working with someone who understands the nuances of autism in adults is key to an accurate and meaningful assessment. My goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered as you move forward with greater clarity and self-understanding.

  • Traveling to California for Your Assessment?

    Your autism assessment is offered in one comprehensive session (90 minutes total) with a built-in break, allowing you to complete the entire process in a single day. This format is ideal for those traveling from out of town and provides time to reflect, rest, and ask questions throughout.

    Scheduling Options

    Option 1: Flexible Travel

    • Schedule your session on a day when you can rest before and after, especially if you’re traveling a long distance.

    • If you're staying multiple days, you can choose a day that works best for your energy and needs.

    Scheduling & Availability

    • If you need a specific date due to travel constraints, feel free to contact me in advance to confirm availability.

    • If no ideal time appears in the scheduler, please reach out—I may be able to adjust my schedule.

    Note: You must be physically located in California at the time of the session to comply with state licensing requirements. Residency is not required, but a California address must be provided at the time of the appointment.

    Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’m here to help make this process as smooth and supportive as possible.

  • Why This Assessment Is More Accessible—and Still Thorough

    Most private adult autism assessments in California range from $5,000 to $10,000, largely due to extensive work done outside of sessions, including scoring standardized measures and writing detailed reports. These assessments often follow a clinical model that may not fully capture the nuanced experiences of sensitive or late-identified autistic adults.

    In contrast, my assessment process is offered at $600 for one comprehensive session (90 minutes total). This includes exploration, integration, and reflection—with built-in breaks and space for emotional processing. The cost remains accessible by streamlining the process and focusing on collaborative, conversational assessment rather than lengthy written reports.

    Instead of standardized testing, I rely on in-depth, guided dialogue tailored to your lived experience. While no formal written report is provided, you may request a simple letter stating the outcome of the assessment if needed.

    This approach not only saves you thousands of dollars—it also fosters a more human, validating, and accurate process. By creating a space where you feel emotionally safe, seen, and respected, we’re able to gather richer insights. This model is especially supportive for those with sensitive nervous systems or a history of masking, and it often results in a more accurate identification of autism in adults.

    Making this kind of assessment more affordable, affirming, and accessible is deeply important to me.

  • My assessments are designed for personal understanding and self-discovery. They are ideal for individuals who want clarity about whether they may be autistic but do not require formal documentation for institutions. Upon request, I can provide a simple letter stating the diagnostic outcome.

    I do not provide comprehensive written reports, which are sometimes required for schools, universities, or government agencies when applying for accommodations or services. These reports are time-intensive and expensive to produce, and I’ve intentionally structured my assessment process to be more accessible and cost-effective—without compromising on accuracy or depth.

    If you believe you may need a formal report, it is your responsibility to check with the institution or agency to determine:

    • What type of documentation is required

    • Whether a specific type of provider is needed (e.g., medical doctor or psychiatrist)

    • If a comprehensive diagnostic report is necessary to access accommodations or services

    My approach is rooted in deep clinical experience and lived understanding of adult autism. It offers an accurate, affirming assessment process without the financial burden of traditional diagnostic models—making it a meaningful option for those seeking insight, clarity, and validation.

  • No, I do not include a formal written report to make the diagnostic assessment more affordable. I can offer a simple letter stating the diagnosis. If you need paperwork filled out I can do that for an extra fee.

  • Getting a diagnosis of Autism as an adult can be important for several reasons:

    Self-Understanding and Identity: An autistic diagnosis can provide clarity and insight into an individual's unique way of processing information, socializing, and experiencing the world. It helps individuals better understand themselves, their strengths, and their challenges.

    Validation and Acceptance: For many adults, receiving an autistic diagnosis provides a sense of validation for the challenges they may have faced throughout their lives. It can be a crucial step toward self-acceptance and understanding that their experiences are valid and shared by others.

    Navigating Social and Professional Relationships: Understanding one's neurodivergence can assist in navigating social and professional relationships. It can help individuals communicate their needs, preferences, and challenges to others, fostering better understanding and support from friends, family, colleagues, and employers.

    Mental Health and Well-being: Many autistic adults may experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression, related to the stress of navigating a neurotypical world. A diagnosis can guide appropriate mental health interventions, ensuring individuals receive the support they need for their well-being.

    Accommodations in Education and Work: With a diagnosis, one may find it easier to request accommodations in educational settings and the workplace, including modified work environments, flexible schedules, or specific strategies to enhance learning and productivity.

    Community and Connection: Being part of the autistic community can provide a sense of belonging and connection. It offers the opportunity to share experiences, strategies, and support with others who have similar perspectives, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation. I also offer an Adult Discovered Autism Support Group!

    Personal Growth and Development: Armed with self-awareness and understanding, individuals with an autistic diagnosis can embark on a journey of personal growth and development. They can focus on building strengths, acquiring coping strategies, and setting realistic goals aligned with their unique attributes.

    In essence, obtaining an autistic diagnosis as an adult is a personal choice that can significantly impact various aspects of one's life, leading to increased self-awareness, access to support, and the potential for a more fulfilling and empowered life journey.

  • No, we will be focusing exclusively on an Autism assessment.

  • No, I specialize in diagnosing sensitive adults.

  • Yes, you can also book consultation sessions with me from anywhere in the world. My mission is to help spread awareness and education about how autism presents differently in the sensitive, particularly women. If you are a mental or medical health provider, this information is important for you to have.

  • No, residency is not required. My state license is in California so state requirements just need a California address of where you plan to be located during the video assessment.

 
 
 

Schedule an Assessment or Consultation

 

I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT

As an Autistic and Highly Sensitive Person and Licensed Psychotherapist, I specialize in supporting highly sensitive and late-identified autistic adults. My mission is to increase awareness, provide education, and create resources that empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive.

I take a compassionate, collaborative, and nurturing approach to the assessment process, creating a safe and validating space for self-discovery. Many describe the experience as life-changing, providing clarity, relief, and a deeper understanding of themselves.


Questions?

Contact us here.

 

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