A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
Beginning the process of exploring whether you are AuDHD, Autistic, or ADHD as an adult can bring up a mix of emotions: excitement, relief, uncertainty, and even grief. Many people come to me after years of questioning, being misdiagnosed, or feeling like something important was overlooked. Some have embraced self-diagnosis, while others long for the clarity, validation, and language that come from a professional evaluation. Wherever you are starting, you are welcome here.
I am James Reling (he/him), a licensed mental health therapist with a neurodivergent-affirming focus based in Oregon. As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent person myself, I understand how personal and emotional this process can be. My role is to provide a thorough, compassionate, and affirming assessment process that centers your lived experience and helps you better understand your traits, strengths, passions, challenges, sensitivities, and support needs. We can shape the process together so it reflects your priorities.
What You Can Expect
Comprehensive Intake
We begin by exploring your personal history, daily experiences, and goals, and then look across many areas of your life such as work, relationships, sensory patterns, and coping strategies. This broad and comprehensive view helps us understand both strengths and challenges in the context of your life.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Testing
We use structured questionnaires designed for adults alongside open conversation, so the process feels both thorough and approachable. The focus is on exploring your neurotype rather than pathologizing it.
Individualized Insights
You will better understand how your traits show up in different areas of life such as work, relationships, sensory experiences, mental and emotional health. We will also explore masking, executive functioning, language, and social needs.
Trauma-Informed Perspective
We also consider how trauma may have shaped your nervous system and your lived experience. Because I am trained in trauma therapy, I help you notice where trauma and neurodivergence may overlap, and together we sort out how they interact so your assessment feels accurate and gives you a map for future self-exploration.
Personalized Report & Recommendations
At the end of the process, you will receive a written report with results, insights, and recommendations. This may include suggestions for therapy, accommodations, workplace strategies, sensory supports, and community resources. Many clients find this report helpful to share with their therapist, partner, or simply as a personal guide.
Completely Confidential
It is entirely up to you who you share this information with. Many people treat the assessment as personal confirmation, and some may never disclose their results. I will always respect your privacy and only share information with your explicit and written permission.
Why Adults Seek an Assessment
Adults seek assessments for many reasons, including:
• To better understand lifelong patterns and challenges
• To validate self-knowledge and identity
• To improve relationships and communication
• To advocate for workplace, school, home, or social accommodations
• To reduce shame and increase self-acceptance
• To find strategies that support daily life and mental health
• To learn more about neurodivergent traits
Fees & Process
Initial Consultation: $75 for a 30-minute video meeting to discuss your goals and see if we are a good fit.
Assessment Fee: $225/hour. A complete assessment typically takes 5 to 8 hours across four to five sessions (intake, several testing sessions, feedback session). Additional time is spent scoring questionnaires and preparing your written report, which typically requires about 4 hours.
Materials Fee: $100 to cover the cost of testing materials and the required online scoring service.
Payment: Fees are collected after each meeting. I do not bill insurance but can provide a superbill for you to pursue possible reimbursement.
Scheduling: We can space meetings over weeks or months depending on scheduling and budgeting needs.
Important Notes
• I only provide assessments for adults age 23 and older.
• I cannot prescribe, recommend, or manage medication.
• My assessments may not be accepted for disability claims, Social Security, or legal cases. If you need these services, please seek a neuropsychological evaluation by a PhD-level psychologist.
• I cannot assess for learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, or neurological conditions. I do not diagnose personality disorders, psychosis experiences, or OCD.
• Services are only available to Oregon residents due to licensing laws.
Ready When You Are
Seeking an Autism or ADHD assessment is more than looking for a diagnosis. It is about gaining a clearer understanding of yourself and having language for your experiences. Many people find that this step opens the door to greater self-acceptance, stronger relationships, and more supportive environments.
Autism & ADHD Assessment FAQ
Here are some of my clients' most common questions about the assessment process.
What is the process like?
The assessment usually begins with an intake conversation where we talk through your history, experiences, and goals. From there, we schedule 2–3 sessions to complete the questionnaires and structured interviews. I also provide several research-based questionnaires for you to complete at home so I can score and interpret the results. Finally, we will meet again to go over your results in detail, and I will provide a comprehensive written report with insights and recommendations. The whole process is paced with you in mind and can be spread out over several weeks or months if that feels easier.
How long does it take to get my results?
Typically, you will receive your written report within 1–2 weeks after we finish the last session, where we meet to review the findings in detail.
How much does the complete assessment usually cost?
A comprehensive assessment typically involves 5–8 hours of direct meetings plus my scoring and report writing time. With fees of $225 per hour and a $100 materials cost, most clients invest between $2300 and $ 2800 for a complete assessment, depending on their pacing and needs.
Will insurance cover the assessment?
I do not directly accept insurance, but I can provide a superbill you may submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider about your specific coverage.
Do I need to know anything about Autism and ADHD to do an assessment?
No. You do not need to prepare or study beforehand. The process is designed to meet you where you are. Some clients know a lot about Autism and ADHD, while others are just beginning to explore. I will guide you through each step, ask questions, and provide context so you can feel supported and informed.
What if I have already self-diagnosed?
Self-diagnosis is valid and often reflects deep personal reflection and research. Some people come to me simply wanting confirmation, while others seek language they can use in conversations with family, friends, or employers. Whether you want validation or are just curious to explore further, I will respect your starting point and goals.
What if I’ve taken some self-report assessments online and written down every autistic trait I can think of?
Great! I welcome deep self-researchers, and you're welcome to share those results with me. I’ll include them as part of your assessment. This way, you get clarity on what they mean and how they fit into the bigger picture of your neurodivergent traits.
What if I get anxious during testing?
That is very normal. We can slow down, take breaks, and move at a pace that works for you. The goal is not to push through discomfort, but to create an environment where you feel safe and supported.
What if I have experienced trauma?
Because I am trained in trauma therapy, I will help you consider how trauma may overlap with or mask Autistic and ADHD traits. We move at your pace, and breaks are always available.
Do I have to tell anyone about the results?
No. The assessment is private and entirely your choice if and when you share it. You are always in control of how and when you use this information.
How private is my information?
I value your confidentiality. Nothing is shared without your signed consent, and your assessment will not be included in medical records unless you personally submit it. You decide if, when, and with whom you share your report.
What happens after the assessment?
After we review your results, you will receive a written report with recommendations. Some clients then choose to work with me for therapy, while others use the report to guide conversations with employers, therapists, or family members.
What if I want ongoing support after the assessment?
You are welcome to continue with me in therapy if I have openings, or I may provide referrals to neurodiversity-affirming therapists. The assessment report can also serve as a roadmap for your ongoing support.
After the assessment, can you talk to my existing therapist about my diagnosis and how to better support me?
Yes. If you would like me to consult with your therapist, the fee is $180 for a one-hour consultation, a reduced rate from my standard session fee. You must sign a release of information first so I can communicate with them. This can be a valuable way to help your therapist better understand your diagnosis and support needs.
Can I bring my partner, sibling, or best friend for support?
You are welcome to bring someone you trust. It can be very helpful to have a close person involved in the process so they can better understand how your neurotype impacts you. We can discuss what level of involvement feels right for you during the consultation.
Can I sign up my adult child, spouse, or sibling for an assessment?
I only work with personally motivated adults who want an assessment for themselves. Assessments are most meaningful when the individual themselves is engaged and motivated in the process. You are welcome to encourage a loved one to reach out to me directly and offer them support, but it is important that they choose to begin this process for themselves.
What if I do not fit the stereotype of Autism or ADHD?
Autism and ADHD show up differently in everyone. I have a lot of experience working with women, nonbinary, and trans people who may be high masking, and I will approach your assessment with care for how your traits uniquely show up for you. Masking can sometimes make recognizing traits during childhood or in traditional assessments harder. In our work together, we will look closely at how masking may have helped you cope and where it has been exhausting or limiting. This helps create a fuller and more accurate picture of your neurodivergent experience.
What if I am in a state of autistic burnout?
That is important to know. If you are experiencing autistic burnout, we will explore burnout support and recovery as part of your assessment. This helps us understand not just your traits but also the impact of stress and overwhelm on your nervous system and daily life. We can move gently and take breaks as needed.
What traits do we explore in the assessment?
We look at a wide range of traits that can show up in Autism and ADHD, including social communication, attention and focus, sensory processing, executive functioning, emotional regulation, masking, special interests, and more.
What tools do we use in the assessment?
I use a combination of standardized questionnaires, structured interviews, and observational methods designed for adults. These include tools that explore Autism traits, ADHD traits, sensory experiences, masking, executive functioning, and social communication. I will provide a complete list during our consultation, some of the main tools I use are:
• MIGDAS-2, an in-depth autism assessment that relies on interview and observation
• SRS-2, which looks at social responsiveness
• DIVA-5, a structured interview for ADHD
• RAADS-R, a questionnaire of autism traits
• CAT-Q, which explores camouflaging and masking behaviors
These tools, combined with our conversations and your personal history, create a comprehensive and affirming picture of your neurodivergent profile. They help form a complete picture of your strengths, challenges, and support needs.