Adult Autism Assessments
Let us guess: you took an online assessment or heard something that made you think, "wait, that sounds like me." Maybe you were diagnosed with ADHD, borderline personality disorder, or bipolar disorder, but something about those diagnoses doesn't feel quite right or doesn't tell the whole story. Or maybe you've always felt a little neurospicy and you're finally ready to find out for sure.
Whatever brought you here, we're glad you made it. Let's turn over another puzzle piece together.
About This Service
Calibrations Counseling & Consultation offers adult autism assessments in Ohio via telehealth and on a limited in-person basis at our Barberton office. Assessments are conducted by Emily Linder, LPCC-S, a licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor in Ohio with specialized experience in neurodivergent-affirming care. We use the MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition) and the full process typically spans three to four sessions over three to five hours of assessment time. The full cost is $950, which includes all sessions and a complete evaluation report with recommendations. Insurance is not accepted for autism assessments at this time; payment plans are available.
What Is An Autism Assessment?
In 2013, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) combined many previously separate autism diagnoses, including Asperger Syndrome, into a single diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This change reflected something that the neurodivergent community has known for a long time: autism looks different in every person.
For a long time, the dominant cultural image of autism was a narrow one: someone who is nonverbal or minimally verbal, socially disengaged, and singularly focused on a specific subject or skill set. While some autistic people do fit that description, many others don't. Plenty of autistic adults are highly verbal, socially motivated, academically successful, and have spent decades developing strategies to appear more neurotypical, sometimes without ever realizing that's what they were doing. These are the people who often go the longest without answers.
An autism assessment is a way to look at your specific profile of neurodivergent traits, understand how they interact, and get the documentation and clarity that makes it possible to advocate for yourself in the ways that actually matter.
What Tool Do We Use?
We use the MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition) for our autism assessments. The MIGDAS-2 is a sensory-based, strengths-oriented assessment tool designed to capture the full range of how autism presents across different people. Unlike some older assessment tools, it was developed with the understanding that autism looks different across genders, ages, and levels of support need, making it a particularly good fit for adults who may have been overlooked by earlier screening approaches.
What to Expect?
The full assessment typically spans three to five hours of assessment time, spread across three to five sessions. Here is how the process works.
Session 1: Intake and Screeners
Your first session covers your intake, history, and all online screeners. This is where we start building a picture of your experiences and what has brought you to assessment.
Sessions 2 through 4: Assessment Sessions
The core assessment takes place across two to three sessions, each approximately 60 minutes long. These sessions use the MIGDAS-2 to explore your sensory experiences, social communication, and neurodivergent profile in depth.
Final Session: Feedback and Recommendations
Your final session is approximately 30 to 60 minutes and is where we go over your results together. You will receive a full written evaluation report with your diagnosis if applicable and detailed recommendations for next steps, supports, and accommodations. This report can be shared with other providers, employers, or institutions as needed.
Things to Consider
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You must be a resident of Ohio to complete an assessment with us.
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Assessments are available via telehealth statewide and on a limited in-person basis at our Barberton, Ohio office.
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We work with adults ages 18 and older.
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Insurance is not accepted for autism assessments at this time. The full cost is $950, private pay.
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A payment plan is available: $500 upfront and the remainder due before your final feedback session.
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Your assessment clinician is neurodivergent herself. This space is built with that in mind.
Things to Consider
We're a neurodivergent-affirming, LGBTQIA+-affirming practice and we've built this space with you in mind. Our clinicians understand what it's like to move through a world that wasn't designed for brains like ours. That lived experience shapes how we show up in every assessment, every session, and every conversation. You won't be rushed, dismissed, or made to feel like you need to perform a certain way to be taken seriously. You'll be heard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Autism Assessments
What is the MIGDAS-2 and why do you use it?
The MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition) is a sensory-based, strengths-oriented assessment tool designed to capture how autism actually presents across a wide range of people. It was developed to move beyond outdated, narrow presentations of autism and to better reflect the real diversity of the spectrum, including adults who have been masking or compensating for years. We use it because it tends to produce a more accurate and complete picture than older tools, particularly for adults who may have been missed by previous evaluations.
Why isn't insurance accepted for autism assessments?
Autism assessments involve a different level of clinical time and documentation than a standard therapy session, and the billing structure for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations is complex. At this time we are not able to accept insurance for autism assessments. The full private-pay cost is $950, and a payment plan is available.
How is this different from a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is typically conducted by a psychologist and involves a broader battery of cognitive and psychological testing, often taking many more hours and costing significantly more. Our assessment is a clinical diagnostic interview and evaluation process conducted by a licensed counselor with specialized training in autism assessment. It is appropriate for adults seeking a diagnostic clarification and a written report, but if you need a comprehensive neuropsychological profile, we can discuss whether a referral might be a better fit for your situation.
I already have a diagnosis. Can I still get an autism assessment?
Yes. Many adults come to us with existing diagnoses, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or borderline personality disorder, that don't fully capture their experience. An autism assessment can either confirm or clarify what's going on, and the results can be shared with your existing providers to inform your care.
Can someone have both autism and ADHD?
Yes. ADHD and autism frequently co-occur, and it is entirely possible to have both. If you are also curious about ADHD, we offer ADHD assessments separately. We can discuss what combination of evaluations makes the most sense for you when you reach out.
What does the written report include?
Your evaluation report includes a summary of your assessment findings, your diagnosis if one applies, and detailed recommendations for supports, accommodations, and next steps. It is a formal written document you can share with employers, schools, healthcare providers, or anyone else who needs documentation of your diagnosis.
How long does the full process take?
The full assessment typically spans three to five hours of total assessment time, spread across three to five sessions. Scheduling and availability will affect the overall timeline, but most clients complete the process within a few weeks of starting.
Do I need a referral to schedule?
No referral is needed. You can reach out directly to get started.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes. We currently assess adults ages 18 and older.
What if I also want to be assessed for ADHD?
We offer ADHD assessments as a separate service. Some clients pursue both, and we can talk through what makes sense for your situation. You can learn more on our ADHD Assessments page.