Diverse and Thriving Counseling, LLC: Virtual Neuro-affirming Adult ADHD and Autism Assessment in OH & MN

ADH(D) and Autism are natural neurodevelopmental differences or neurotypes, not “disorders” or “deficits” to be fixed. AuDH(D) describes the common, impactful overlap of being both Autistic and ADH(D).

I write “ADHD” as “ADH(D) and not use “ASD” intentionally as it honors these as natural neurotype differences rather than something to be fixed to make others comfortable. A person who’s tall, mechanically-inclined, or can read at lightning speed wouldn’t be asked to fix themselves, so neither should someone who thinks, speaks, and process in unique ways.

Many high-masking adults, especially those with high intelligence and creativity, navigate the world by:

Studying social rules to mimic neurotypical behavior.
Rehearsing responses and social scripts.
Inventing complex coping strategies to fit into school, work, and relationships.
Noticing patterns in human behavior and recurring situations that others may miss.
This “masking” often hides your core neurodivergent traits from clinicians, leading to missed or incorrect diagnoses like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Over time, the relentless effort to appear “normal” leads to social exhaustion, identity confusion, and perfectionism.

Many notice these struggles intensifying in their 30s as career and family demands outpace the energy reserves used to mask. Some even notice that they struggle more during hormonal changes as research is highlighting the effects of fluctuating hormones and its impacts on ADH(D). Burnout isn’t a failure, it’s a sign that your environment wasn’t built for your brain.

Proper assessment from a late-diagnosed AuDH(D) Black counselor who truly understands your lived experiences can be life-changing. I offer clarity, strategies that respect your neurotype, and the relief of finally being seen.

Key Features:

Adult-Centered Approach: Unlike tools designed for children and adapted for adults, this assessment tool was created specifically for adult presentations, accounting for years of developmental masking, compensatory strategies, and life experience factors.
Intersectionality: Incorporates systematic consideration of cultural, gender, and identity factors that influence neurodivergent presentation and recognition.
Strengths-Based: Emphasizes individual neurological profiles and environmental fit rather than deficit-focused assessment.
Comprehensive Scope: Addresses not only core diagnostic criteria but also masking behaviors, sensory processing differences, and PDA (persistent demand for autonomy) profiles.

Fee covers the time taken for the 3 hour assessment interview, all additional time spent completing documentation or related tasks, and follow-up session.
A thorough review of your information is cross-examined with common misdiagnoses then compared to DSM-5 -TR diagnostic criteria.
A comprehensive diagnostic report based on the data acquired during the assessment process is completed and a copy provided to you.
The wait time for the diagnostic report ranges from only 2 – 4 weeks, with 1-2 weeks being more common.
At the 30 minute follow-up session, your provider will discuss their findings and provide a copy of the assessment for you to review and approve.
The assessment, or summary report, will include a formal diagnosis with recommendations/accommodations for academic, workplace, and disability services (including for Social Security Administration).