Neuroaffirming Autism and ADHD Assessments

At Stardust Neuroaffirming Wellness, 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, holistic psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

Assessment Process

  1. Schedule your evaluation in our scheduling portal, we are currently scheduling for Jan/Feb ($200 non-refundable deposit due at scheduling taken from total balance)

  2. We will reach out with general consent forms and intake paperwork

  3. Pre-interview Neurodivergent paperwork, gathering of social, medical, mental health, and developmental history, & pre-interview self-assessments

    You can expect to spend 1-2 hours completing questionnaires and self-assessment tools before the assessment appointment. (Will be sent 4-6 weeks prior to appointment and due 7 days before appointment)

  4. Collaborative interview

    In-person or telehealth session to learn more about your sensory, social, executive functioning, behavioral and emotional experiences. For older teens and adults, this part of the evaluation typically takes:

    Autism Evaluation: 2-3 Hours (up to 4 hours)

    ADHD Evaluation: 1.5-2 Hours

    ADHD & Autism: 2.5-4 Hours (Up to 5 hours)

  5. Optional Collateral Information & Formal Screeners

    The evaluator and client may wish to gather additional information from family members, partners, educators, service providers or other supportive folks, if appropriate, and only as agreed upon with consent of the person being evaluated. In addition further formal quantitative screeners will be sent.

  6. Evaluation Report

    The evaluator will pull together all information gathered and write an report which may include a summary of information gathered, evaluation outcomes, diagnosis if appropriate, as well as recommendations.

  7. Optional Follow-up Session

    This is typically scheduled approximately 2-3 weeks after all information has been gathered from client and collaborating sources. This session is 30-45 minutes where we will review outcomes of evaluation, diagnostic report, recommendations, and any questions you may have.

* Please note appointments fill quickly, if there are no appointments available, please Reach out to be placed on our priority waitlist!

  • In order to utilize an equitable sliding scalefor our neuroaffirming assessments, we currently operate as an out of network provider, meaning we do not directly take insurance as they unfortunately do not tend to cover adult assessments. We do partner with Riembursify to help you get OON insurance reimbursement if eligible.

    We make every effort to make evaluations as accessible and sustainable as possible and understand this is a big investment, if cost is an issue, we have limited partial scholarships to reduce the accessible rate for those who may need, please reach out for more information.

    Autism Evaluation without in-depth report (*8-10 hours of evaluators time):

    • Equitable Rate $1300

    • Sustainable Rate $1000

    • Accessible Rate $700

    This option is best those who are self-diagnosed and wanting to explore a formal diagnosis or those seeking a diagnosis and more in-depth understanding of their neurotype, but do not need/want an in-depth written report or sensory profile. This process utilizes the MIGDAS-2 and a structured-interview rooted in the The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook (in addition to quantitative assessment tools) which was created by autistic psychologists to center the experience of neurodivergent humans. It includes a brief diagnostic report with results and diagnosis if applicable, and recommendations. It also includes an optional 30 minute follow-up to discuss findings.

    Autism evaluation with in-depth report (*10-13 hours of evaluator's time):

    • Equitable Rate $1800

    • Sustainable Rate $1400

    • Accessible Rate $1100

    This process is best for those who are looking for a more in-depth understanding, and includes a sensory profile and a formal written report. It utilizes the MIGDAS-2 and The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook (in addition to other quantitative tools) and may be a better fit for those who may be applying for disability or other services/supports that require a full written report. It also includes a sensory profile, optional supportive supplement/medication recommendations, and an optional 45min follow-up to discuss the report and findings.

    Please note that we do not use or offer evaluations using the ADOS-2, if you are seeking services or accommodations, please ensure that they do not require the ADOS. We have chosen not to offer the ADOS for a variety of reasons including it is not neruoaffirming and does not center the experience of autistic people.

    Autism & ADHD evaluation (*12-18 hours of evaluators time):

    • Equitable Rate $1900 ($2500 with full report)

    • Sustainable Rate $1600 ($2100 with full report)

    • Accessible Rate $1200 ($1600 with full report)

    ADHD ONLY evaluation (*5-9 hours of evaluator's time): *Please reach out to our email at Info@StardustNW.com if pursuing an ADHD eval and in-network with private BCBS as we may be able to bill insurance directly if desired.

    • Equitable Rate $950 ($1350 with full report)

    • Sustainable Rate $650 ($1050 with full report)

    • Accessible Rate $450 ($850 with full report)

    ADHD evaluations utilize the Diva-5 in addition to quantitative tools.

    *Evaluator's time includes reviewing all questionnaires, scoring and interpreting self-assessment and quantitative tools, evaluating collateral information, interview time, and report writing.

    Please note, must be physically located in Iowa or New Mexico at time of assessment/appointment (some clients chose to travel for assessment interview). In-person appointments available in Des Moines, IA through June 2025 & in Albuquerque, NM after. Will be expanding virtual services to Washington and Arizona soon.

    Please visit our scheduling portal to sign up for an appointment! We are currently scheduling for Jan/Feb of 2025.

Equitable Sliding Scale
Our equitable pricing model asks clients to choose their own rate based on their own self-assessment of access to resources.

Equitable Rate
The equitable rate is above the cost of providing the service for folks who have access to greater financial resources. When people choose this rate, they are choosing to redistribute wealth to community, and help ensure we can continue to offer services to others for below cost. This helps ensure financial accessibility for all folks on a path toward radical self-acceptance through self-knowledge.

Sustainable Rate
When people choose this rate, they are paying the "regular rate" for our service. The sustainable rate covers the cost of providing the service in a way that is sustainable for us as providers (people with varied privileges and access/care needs), and as a practice (a business that prioritizes the intentional and ethical building of community wellness over the building individual wealth).

Accessible Rate
The accessible rate is below the cost of providing the service, for people with less access to financial resources. When people choose this rate, they are engaging with a system of mutual aid and accessing community wealth. We believe that access to self-knowledge and affirming spaces is a human right, and should not be restricted by access to financial resources.

Please note: Payment is accepted in 2 or 3 payments.

The first payment is due at at booking with a $200 deposit to book. 

The second payment of half the remaining balance is due at the evaluation (may pay full balance)

The third payment and remaining balance, is due when when report is sent (approximately 2-4 weeks after evaluation).

There is no need to provide any financial information or documentation; please select the rate that is possible for you and/or your family. (Please note, even our highest rate is below average cost for similar services).

FAQs

  • We do not directly accept most insurances for evaluations and operate as an out-of-network service (we do however partner with Riembursify to help you submit for OON insurance reimbursement if desired). This allows us to utilize an equitable sliding scale price model and create greater accessibility to services for folx with less access to financial resources.

    *We are currently working to become in-network with BCBS which would offset a portion of evaluation cost.

    Utilizing private pay services also allows clients greater autonomy over how, when, and with whom their information is shared. For individuals who have faced harm from traditional systems or are vulnerable to systemic discrimination, this autonomy can be crucial for safety and well-being. It ensures that folx can navigate their assessment with confidence and security, tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

  • We utilize an equitable sliding scale.

    Autism evaluation with in-depth report (*8-10 hours of evaluator's time):

    • Equitable Rate $1600

    • Sustainable Rate $1300

    • Accessible Rate $1000

    This process is best for those who are looking for a more in-depth understanding, neurotype mapping, and a formal written report. It utilizes the MIGDAS-2 (in addition to other quantitative tools) and may be a better fit for those looking for school or work accommodations, or applying for other services/supports that require a full written report. It also includes a sensory profile and optional supportive supplement/medication recommendations, and a 45min follow-up to discuss the report and findings.

    Please note that we do not use or offer evaluations using the ADOS-2, if you are seeking services or accommodations, please ensure that they do not require the ADOS. We have chosen not to offer the ADOS for a variety of reasons including it is not neruoaffirming and does not center the experience of autistic people.

    Autism Evaluation without in-depth report (*6-8 hours of evaluators time):

    • Equitable Rate $1300

    • Sustainable Rate $1000

    • Accessible Rate $700

    This option is best those who are self-diagnosed and wanting to explore a formal diagnosis or those seeking a diagnosis and more in-depth understanding of their neurotype, but do not need/want an in-depth written report of sensory profile. This process utilizes a structured-interview rooted in The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook (in addition to quantitative assessment tools) that was created by autistic psychologists to center the experience of neurodivergent humans. It includes a brief diagnostic report with results and diagnosis if applicable, and recommendations. It also includes an optional 30 minute follow-up to discuss findings.

    ADHD evaluation (*4-6 hours of evaluator's time):

    • Equitable Rate $1000

    • Sustainable Rate $800

    • Accessible Rate $600

    ADHD evaluations utilize the Diva-5 in addition to quantitative tools and come with a brief written report with recommendations. Optional 30 min follow-up to review findings is also included.

    Autism & ADHD evaluation (*10-12 hours of evaluators time):

    • Equitable Rate $1900

    • Sustainable Rate $1600

    • Accessible Rate $1300

    *Evaluator's time includes reviewing all questionnaires, scoring and interpreting self-assessment, quantitative tools, and collateral information, interview time, and report writing.

  • In addition to partnering with Riembursify to possibly get a portion of services reimbursed through your insurance, we offer an in-house option to pay in 3 installments or you may apply for interest-free financing through care credit.

    There is a $200 non-refundable deposit to book evaluation and then 50% of the remaining balance is due at the appointment and the remainder is due 4-6 weeks later at time of follow-up session/or when report is ready.

  • We offer a unique process that centers the neurodivergent lived experience. With this we may utilize different tools for assessing and evaluating Autism and/or ADHD than other providers. Our goal is to offer a collaborative non-pathologizing approach.

    Pre-assessment tools may include Cat-Q, RAADS-r, RBQ-2a, ASRS, Vanderbilt, GQ-ASC, and others.

    Our neuroaffirming evaluation interview is conducted integrating the MIGDAS-2, The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook, and the DSM-5tr autism evaluations. We use the DIVA-5 for ADHD evaluations.

    Post-interviews tools may include the SRS-2, CAARS2, Sensory Profile 2, EDA-QA and others.

    *For a multitude of reasons, we do not utilize the ADOS.

Reach out for more info or click the link below to be added to the schedule an Autism and/or ADHD Evaluation