Neurodiversity
Assessments for Adults
– ASD, ADHD, ADD
Our team is here to guide you on the journey of self-discovery and empower you to live your life more fully, with the knowledge and support you deserve.
At Amna Holistic Psychology, we understand that neurodiversity in adults can often remain undiagnosed or misinterpreted.
Whether you experience difficulties with social interactions, focus, organization, processing sensory stimuli, or other aspects of life, we are here to help you understand how your brain works and how it impacts your daily life.
Our Neurodiversity Assessments for Adults provide an in-depth evaluation of your processing, sensory, and behavioral patterns, helping you gain clarity and access the support you need to thrive.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in the human brain and how it processes information. It encompasses conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurodevelopmental differences. These traits often go unrecognized until adulthood, leaving many people feeling misunderstood or unsupported. Our comprehensive assessments help identify these differences, enabling you to embrace your unique way of thinking.
Why Should I Consider a Neurodiversity Assessment?
If you're wondering whether you might have a neurodiverse condition, an assessment can help answer that question. Neurodiverse traits can often affect various aspects of life. An assessment can provide clarity not only about whether you have a particular condition, but also about how it affects different areas of your life, from relationships to work to self-esteem.
Social Interactions
Understanding social cues, building relationships, or feeling overwhelmed in social situations.
Focus and Attention
Difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks, or completing them efficiently.
Sensory Sensitivities
Overload from noise, light, textures, or other sensory stimuli.
Learning and Processing
Struggles with reading, writing, or processing information efficiently.
What is ADOS-2?
As part of our comprehensive neurodiversity assessment, we use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 is a standardized, gold-standard diagnostic tool used by trained clinicians to assess individuals for Autism Spectrum Disorder. It includes a series of structured and semi-structured activities that help identify behaviors associated with autism, such as challenges in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors.
The ADOS-2 is designed to be administered across a wide age range, including adults. Its goal is to gather valuable insights in a comfortable and non-threatening environment, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of autism spectrum characteristics.
All neurodiversity assessments are conducted by experienced psychologists and clinicians who specialize in neurodevelopmental disorders and diagnostic evaluations.
What is ADI-R & 3DI?
In addition to the ADOS-2, we also utilize the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), a comprehensive, structured interview tool used to assess characteristics of autism spectrum disorders. The ADI-R is typically administered to adults and involves an interview with the individual and, when appropriate, a close family member or caregiver, to gather information about the individual’s developmental history, behaviors, and autism-related traits.
The ADI-R combines personal history with clinical observations and is used alongside other diagnostic methods, like ADOS-2, to provide a full and accurate picture of autism spectrum characteristics.
The 3DI (Three-Dimensional Interview) assessment is a tool used to evaluate a candidate's behavior, competencies, and overall fit within an organization. It provides insights into how a candidate might perform in real-world scenarios based on their responses to a series of situational, behavioral, and role-specific questions. The assessment is typically structured around three key dimensions:
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Cognitive: Evaluates problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
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Emotional: Assesses emotional intelligence, such as empathy, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills.
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Practical: Focuses on real-world, hands-on abilities and how a person might handle day-to-day tasks or challenges.
The goal is to provide a holistic view of the candidate’s strengths and potential areas for development.
CAARS & DIVA 2 Assessment for Adults with ADHD
The CAARS Assessment (Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales) is a psychological tool used to assess various aspects of a person's behavior, emotional functioning, and mental health. It's often used in clinical settings, educational environments, and by mental health professionals to measure conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety, and other behavioral or emotional issues.
It typically involves questionnaires filled out by the individual being assessed, as well as input from parents, teachers, or other relevant parties, depending on the context.
The assessment focuses on:
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Behavioral Symptoms: Identifying and measuring symptoms related to impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattention, and other behavioral concerns.
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Emotional Functioning: Assessing emotional regulation, anxiety levels, and mood disorders.
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Cognitive and Social Skills: Looking at areas like problem-solving, interpersonal relationships, and social functioning.
The goal of the Connors Assessment is to provide a comprehensive picture of an individual’s psychological profile to inform diagnosis, treatment plans, or educational strategies.
The DIVA 2 is a structured diagnostic interview used to assess Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. It addresses the unique challenges of diagnosing ADHD in adults, who may not exhibit the same overt symptoms as children and may have developed coping mechanisms to mask the disorder.
Key Features of the DIVA 2 Assessment:
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Structured Interview:
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Current Symptoms: It looks at how ADHD symptoms present in adulthood and how they affect daily life, such as work and social relationships
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DSM-5 Criteria: The DIVA 2 aligns with the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD, helping clinicians determine if the symptoms meet the necessary threshold for diagnosis.
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Diagnostic Evaluation: The assessment includes an interview where the severity, duration, and impact of symptoms are discussed to determine whether the criteria for ADHD diagnosis are met.
Use in Clinical Practice:
The DIVA 2 provides clinicians with a clear and reliable tool for identifying and diagnosing ADHD in adults. The interview helps to identify ADHD symptoms from both childhood and adulthood, leading to an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Our clinicians are fully trained in administering ADOS-2, ADI-R, Connors, DIVA 2 and Sensory Processing Assessments, as well as other diagnostic tools.
Understanding Your Sensory Processing
In addition to the cognitive and behavioural assessments, we offer Sensory Processing Assessments to help identify how your brain processes sensory information. Many individuals with neurodiverse traits experience sensory sensitivities, meaning they may be more or less sensitive to sensory input (such as sound, light, touch, taste, and smell). Sensory sensitivities can impact daily life in significant ways and may contribute to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, or difficulty functioning in certain environments.
Our Sensory Assessments are designed to identify sensory processing patterns and provide insights into how you respond to sensory stimuli. These assessments help us understand whether sensory sensitivities or challenges are playing a role in your experience of life and functioning.
The sensory assessment process may include:
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Questionnaires: These will ask about your responses to various sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, specific textures, or even particular smells and tastes.
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Sensory Profile: This tool helps identify sensory preferences, sensitivities, and challenges, providing a detailed look at how sensory processing affects your behavior and overall well-being.
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Observation: Our trained clinicians will observe your reactions to different sensory inputs during structured tasks or in real-life situations, helping to gauge how sensory sensitivities may be influencing your daily life.
By understanding your sensory processing style, we can offer practical recommendations to help you manage sensory overload, create environments that work for you, and develop coping strategies for sensory challenges.
Our Experienced Psychologists and Trained Clinicians
All neurodiversity assessments are conducted by experienced psychologists and clinicians who specialize in neurodevelopmental disorders and diagnostic evaluations. Our team understands that every individual is unique and tailors the approach to your specific needs. We combine our expertise with empathy, ensuring that you feel supported throughout the process.
Our clinicians are fully trained in administering ADOS-2, ADI-R, CAARS, DIVA 2 and Sensory Processing Assessments, as well as other diagnostic tools. They work with you to build a comprehensive picture of your processing, emotional, and sensory landscape, helping to identify patterns that explain your experiences.
What to Expect During the Assessment
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Initial Consultation:
Your assessment begins with a one-on-one consultation with one of our experienced clinicians. You’ll discuss your personal history, challenges, and any concerns you may have. This is an important opportunity to share information about your life, work, relationships, and any difficulties that may suggest a neurodiverse condition.
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ADOS-2, ADI-R,CAARS, DIVA 2 and Sensory Processing Assessment:
The ADOS-2 assessment involves interactive tasks and interviews designed to assess behaviors that may indicate autism spectrum traits. The ADI-R interview gathers developmental history and autism-related information. Additionally, the Sensory Processing Assessment includes questionnaires, profiles, and observations to evaluate how sensory inputs affect you. These processes are typically completed in a comfortable, non-threatening environment and may take 90-120 minutes.
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Detailed Report:
After the assessment, you will receive a detailed report that explains the findings in a clear and understandable way. The report will include whether you meet the criteria for a neurodevelopmental condition, as well as information on areas where you may face challenges or excel, including sensory processing.
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Follow-up Session:
Finally, we offer a follow-up session to discuss your results. We will provide personalized recommendations, including next steps for therapy, coping strategies, or accommodations that could support you in your daily life.
Benefits of Neurodiversity Assessments
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Clarity and Understanding: Gain a better understanding of how your brain processes information and how this affects your behavior.
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Improved Self-Awareness: Learn about your strengths and challenges, boosting your self-esteem and confidence.
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Access to Support and Resources: With an official diagnosis or understanding of your neurodiverse traits, you can access tailored support, accommodations, and treatments that best meet your needs.
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Enhanced Relationships: Understanding your neurodiversity can improve your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, fostering better communication and reducing misunderstandings.
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Sensory Management: By identifying sensory sensitivities, you can implement strategies to manage sensory overload and improve your overall well-being in everyday settings.
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're an adult who suspects you may have neurodiversity, or if you’ve struggled to understand why certain aspects of life seem more challenging than they should be, we invite you to contact us for a Neurodiversity Assessment. Our team is here to guide you on the journey of self-discovery and empower you to live your life more fully, with the knowledge and support you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your assessment and take the first step toward understanding your brain, your behavior, your sensory experiences, and your unique neurodiversity.
