AuDHD Assessment

Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment

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Dr. Cameron Staley is now offering assessments for adults (18+) seeking a formal evaluation for both ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses!

Have you ever wondered if you’re autistic and have ADHD?

It is estimated that up to 80 percent of individuals with autism also meet criteria for ADHD (Srishti, 2020; Stevens, 2016). It is so common that the unofficial term “AuDHD” is used to describe individuals who are both Autistic and experience ADHD. Although much of the research has investigated ADHD and autism separately, recent research shows that AuDHDers may experience more executive functioning  and mental health challenges than individuals who are Autistic without ADHD (Pehlivanidis, 2020). If you have wondered if you’re autistic and also experience attention related concerns you may benefit from the combined assessment for both Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.

AuDHDers may experience an increased intensity of certain traits including attention to detail and sensory sensitivity leading to feeling overwhelmed easily with too much going on around you. You may experience yourself as being a “divergent thinker” where you are able to make connections across several seemingly unrelated concepts leading to innovation and unique problem solving. You may also experience some contradictions such as thriving with routine but struggling to follow a schedule, experience engaging in your passions as soothing but getting distracted easily, or having detailed plans but getting overwhelmed due to making impulsive decisions.

The combined assessment for adults (18+) is designed for individuals seeking a formal evaluation for both an Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD diagnoses. The combined assessment will also screen for other mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD) that may contribute to or result from ADHD symptoms or Autistic experiences. This assessment is not a full neuropsychological evaluation and will not provide diagnostic information about other conditions such as learning disorders or traumatic brain injury. If you are needing a comprehensive assessment for government agencies or academic settings to receive accommodations or services, it may be better for you to seek a formal neuropsychological evaluation.

What can I expect during the evaluation process?

Step 1 – Complete Assessment Questionnaires

  • Share information about your developmental history, educational background, work experience, relationship history and preferences, interests, your experience of body movements or vocalizations that may be calming or energizing, needs in relation to routines or managing change, sensory experiences, strengths, and medical/mental health history.
  • Complete standardized rating scales for adult and childhood symptoms of ADHD, Autistic traits and experiences, and common related mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  • Complete a symptom checklist of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity features of ADHD and share examples of daily struggles that result from these symptoms.

Step 2 – Meet with Dr. Cameron Staley

  • One to three appointments for you to share more about your experiences, strengths, needs, preferences, and challenges which will guide our discussion about how your experiences may align with both Autistic experiences and ADHD traits. You will have opportunities to clarify, expand, or modify your responses from the questionnaires when we meet to provide greater insight into your experiences as we explore your identity and ADHD symptoms.
  • The majority of each appointment will consist of you sharing your experiences. Dr. Staley will ask you follow-up questions as needed and share his thoughts and insights with you throughout the process. The meetings will feel more like a guided conversation with the goal of increasing your comfort leading to more openness and authenticity to facilitate the accuracy of identifying autism and ADHD symptoms.

Step 3 – Report Write-up

Dr. Cameron Staley will then write up your detailed report which provides a summary of the background information you shared in the questionnaires and interview, results regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, other mental health concerns, and recommendations for next steps.

Step 4 – Feedback Appointment

Once the report is complete, you will be invited to schedule a feedback session with Dr. Cameron Staley where you will be given the opportunity to review and make corrections to the report as needed, discuss the findings and recommendations, and ask questions you may have regarding the process or next steps.

Am I eligible for a combined evaluation for both Autism and ADHD?

Dr. Cameron Staley is a licensed psychologist in the states of Utah and Idaho and a member of PSYPACT which authorizes him to provide online counseling and psychological services to individuals across the United States living in the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia – DC, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

In order to engage in counseling services or psychological assessment with Dr. Cameron Staley, you must be located in one of the above participating states during the time of your appointment. To learn more about which states participate in the compact you can view a map on the following link: https://psypact.org/page/psypactmap

Rate

One payment of $1,400 due at time of first appointment.

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References

Pehlivanidis, A., Papanikolaou, K., Mantas, V. et al. Lifetime co-occurring psychiatric disorders in newly diagnosed adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or/and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). BMC Psychiatry 20, 423 (2020).

Srishti,. Et al., (2020). Identifying comorbid ADHD in autism: Attending to the inattentive presentation. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 69, 101468.

Stevens, T., Peng, L., & Barnard-Brak L. (2016). The comorbidity of ADHD in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 31, 11-18.