Receiving a diagnosis is often a source of relief for many, like the feeling of puzzle pieces finally coming together.
Here are some examples expressed by those diagnosed as adults…
The diagnosis helped me become kinder to myself, providing self-understanding leading to self-compassion
It proved that my challenges and needs are real.
Knowing that my brain operates differently from others has transformed my life.
My diagnosis finally allowed me to stop feeling ashamed of who I am.
It reduces misunderstandings at home and work.
It reduces anxiety, helps me grow self-esteem and hope, and enriches my life.
I am grateful to have finally learned to give myself space when I feel overwhelmed.
Autistic burnout prompted me to seek a middle-age diagnosis. This diagnosis saved me.
My autism diagnosis empowered me to live my best life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, if you live in California, I provide assessments for diagnosing Autism in HSPs. If you don’t live in California, you can still book a consultation with me, but I can only provide a diagnosis for those who live in California (where I’m licensed).
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Assessments for diagnosing Autism involve at least four collaborative one-on-one video sessions, allowing me to understand your internal experiences thoroughly. This personalized approach is crucial for accurately diagnosing Autism in the highly sensitive, as past criteria have been inaccurate for adults. Working with a practitioner who is versed in recognizing the nuances of Autism in adults is essential.
My assessment is tailored to uncover the intricacies often present in the highly sensitive, offering a more comprehensive understanding of your unique neurodivergent profile. Throughout the process, I encourage you to expand on or share information as it comes to you. In general, these are the categories we would discuss.
Informed consent, I’ll ask you why you think you might be Autistic, and I’ll explain the process. Then we’ll discuss your sensory experiences (sensitivities and preferences)
We’ll discuss your Cognitive style in relation to passions, structure, routine, etc.
We’ll go over your Childhood and adult Social Experiences in detail.
Follow-up questions & Complete Assessment (In most cases, four sessions are enough, but if more time is needed, we will schedule those sessions)
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Most assessment practitioners in California don't accept insurance, and undergoing a private assessment can range from $5,000 to $10,000. Most of the cost is for the practitioner's work outside sessions, such as scoring assessment measures and writing the report.
In contrast, an assessment with me costs $1,800 (4 collaborative sessions). Most of the time, 4 sessions are enough, but occasionally, additional sessions are needed. The affordability is achieved by streamlining the assessment process to these collaborative sessions, with some brief time outside of sessions for me to reflect on the collected data. As no written report is provided at the end of the process, this approach saves you thousands of dollars on your adult autism assessment. It has been important for me to make these assessments more affordable and accessible.
Conducting the assessment in this manner allows me to build a deeper understanding of you over the course of several weeks. This gradual approach fosters a sense of comfort and encourages you to become progressively more vulnerable and authentic in our sessions, a crucial element for accurate identification. The extended timeframe also allows for gathering a more diverse range of data, significantly enhancing the accuracy of identifying autism, particularly in women.
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If you're looking to understand whether you might be Autistic for personal reasons, undergoing an assessment with me is a suitable option. However, if you need a written report for submission to a school or a government agency to secure accommodations or services, in that case, opting for a formal neuropsychological assessment that concludes with a comprehensive written report is advisable. Many colleges mandate an assessment report for accessing accommodations, so ensuring compliance is important.
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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.
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Getting a diagnosis of Autism as an adult can be important for several reasons:
1) Self-Understanding and Identity:
An Autism 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.
2) Validation and Acceptance:
For many adults, receiving an Autism 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.
3) 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.
4) Mental Health and Well-being:
Many adults with Autism 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 overall well-being.
5) 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.
6) 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 Autistic Women’s Support Group!
7) Personal Growth and Development:
Armed with self-awareness and understanding, individuals with an Autism 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 Autism 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.
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No, we will be focusing exclusively on an Autism assessment.
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No, I specialize in diagnosing adult women.
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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 highly sensitive adults. If you are a mental or medical health provider, this information is important for you to have.
Book an Assessment or Consultation
I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT
As an Autistic HSP and Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in highly sensitive people and adult-diagnosed Autism in HSPs, I founded Sensitive Empowerment to amplify awareness about the remarkable value of Neurodiversity. Committed to education and support, my mission is to enhance awareness and create tools and resources to reduce susceptibility to mental and physical health challenges to help individuals flourish to their fullest potential. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.