Neuroaffirming Autism & ADHD Assessments
Assessments created by — and for — neurodivergent humans, for teens and adults.
At Stardust Affirming Care, we understand firsthand the complex journey of finding and understanding our unique neurotype as a neurodivergent human. Our approach was created by queer, PDA, autistic, and ADHD folx who understand the lived experience of being a neurodivergent human in a neurotypical world. In addition, our assessments are done by a Vanderbilt-trained, holistic, Autistic and ADHD psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Schedule a Neuroaffirming EvaluationThe Assessment Process
Schedule your evaluation
Book in our scheduling portal. You will receive a confirmation email with instructions to get set up in the portal.
Pre-interview paperwork & self-assessments
Neurodivergent-friendly paperwork gathering social, medical, mental health, and developmental history, plus pre-interview self-assessments. Expect to spend 1–2 hours completing these before your appointment.
Collaborative interview
A conversation about your life experiences and history, interests and passions, communication styles, sensory experiences, and relationship patterns. Bring anything that helps you feel comfortable — a support person, snacks, fidgets, crafting supplies, meaningful items — or nothing at all. Autism evaluation: 1.5–2 hours (if more time is needed, another appointment will be scheduled by your provider) (MIGDAS-2, a structured interview from The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook, and the SRS-2). ADHD evaluation: 1–1.5 hours (DIVA-5 and CAARS-2).
Optional collateral information & screeners
With your consent, we may gather additional information from family, partners, educators, or providers, and send further formal quantitative screeners as helpful.
Evaluation report
I pull together all information gathered and write a report that may include evaluation outcomes, a diagnosis if appropriate, and recommendations. Please note: we do not use or offer the ADOS-2. If you are seeking services or accommodations, ensure they do not require the ADOS. We have chosen not to offer it because it is not neuroaffirming and does not center the experience of autistic people.
Follow-up session
Typically scheduled about 4 weeks after all information has been gathered. This 25-minute session reviews your outcomes, diagnostic report, recommendations, and any questions you may have.
Insurance & Payment
We are currently in-network with most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans — please check your individual insurance plan. For out-of-network or cash-pay clients, we offer a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement if eligible, plus free 2–12 month payment plans. To make evaluations more accessible, we also offer an equitable sliding scale as resources are available — contact us for details.
In-person & telehealth: Evaluations are available in person in Albuquerque (ABQ), as well as via telehealth.
Please note: you must be physically located in Iowa, Washington, or New Mexico at the time of your assessment (some clients choose to travel for the interview).