Looking for a neurodivergent autism assessor (probably online)
February 21, 2023 8:31 AM Subscribe
Hello, it looks like stinker jr. may be autistic and they would like to be assessed by someone who can say for sure. The autism tests they take online (with input from me and other family members) consistently rate them 30-32. They are worried that as an afab (assigned female at birth, currently identifies as transmasc) nonbinary kid, they may not be judged as having autism because of bias on the part of the assessor.
They would feel most comfortable being assessed by someone other than a cis man, preferrably who has autism themself. They are in the US currently (Massachusetts), and I expect this will not be covered by insurance.
They would feel most comfortable being assessed by someone other than a cis man, preferrably who has autism themself. They are in the US currently (Massachusetts), and I expect this will not be covered by insurance.
I have done an assessment with Hendrickx Associates. It was Not cheap but worth the money. They offer interview via Skype. Their team is all female.
I found them through an ask reply 2-3 yrs ago.
posted by 15L06 at 9:15 AM on February 21, 2023 [1 favorite]
I found them through an ask reply 2-3 yrs ago.
posted by 15L06 at 9:15 AM on February 21, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Matt Lowry is an autistic cis male psychologist who did my (AFAB 30something) assessment and it was a fantastic experience. He took me so seriously. I feel so lucky when I hear horror stories of AFAB people seeing allistic psychologists for testing and being dismissed for things like making eye contact or having a job. There was nothing like that in my work with Matt. It was a really empowering and joyful experience. We talked a lot about living autistically and finding community, as well as pursuing accommodations in spaces that would otherwise be harmful, inaccessible, or significantly uncomfortable to an autistic person. I wholeheartedly recommend Matt for any AFAB child or adult.
Matt is licensed to see clients in PSYPACT states, which currently does not include Massachusetts (but there's apparently pending legislation?). However, I think so highly of him, it would be worth going to one of the neighboring states that are PSYPACT states (New Hampshire, Delaware, New York) to do the telehealth assessment appointment and follow-up report discussion from a hotel/AirBnB/etc in compliance with the licensing laws. (A PSYPACT psychologist can see clients who are physically located in one of the included states--the client doesn't have to be a resident of the state, they just have to be there during the appointment.) This may seem silly or like a lot of work just to see one particular guy, but truly I credit him with setting me up to appreciate and care for my autistic self.
posted by theotherdurassister at 10:56 AM on February 21, 2023 [2 favorites]
Matt is licensed to see clients in PSYPACT states, which currently does not include Massachusetts (but there's apparently pending legislation?). However, I think so highly of him, it would be worth going to one of the neighboring states that are PSYPACT states (New Hampshire, Delaware, New York) to do the telehealth assessment appointment and follow-up report discussion from a hotel/AirBnB/etc in compliance with the licensing laws. (A PSYPACT psychologist can see clients who are physically located in one of the included states--the client doesn't have to be a resident of the state, they just have to be there during the appointment.) This may seem silly or like a lot of work just to see one particular guy, but truly I credit him with setting me up to appreciate and care for my autistic self.
posted by theotherdurassister at 10:56 AM on February 21, 2023 [2 favorites]
This might be comforting. You can also just ask a potential therapist whether they agree with it.
posted by amtho at 8:59 PM on February 21, 2023
posted by amtho at 8:59 PM on February 21, 2023
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The assessments are done based on a standardized test that are designed to limit tester bias. Waitlist are long here and mostly you take an assessor you can find.
I question your need for a diagnosis. Could you skip straight to psychotherapy or occupational or speech therapy for whatever concerns are happening here. Often a doctor can refer to a clinic of your choice that may be specifically accomodating of trans people. If you're not seeking specific services or accomodations, I would not go through this process. I'd also try to skip to getting services not and see if you still want a diagnosis when your time slot comes up.
posted by Kalmya at 9:13 AM on February 21, 2023