Frequently Asked Questions about Neuropsychological Evaluations

You know your child best. It’s often helpful to frame the evaluation as a way to learn about how their brain works so teachers and parents can help them feel and do their best. You might say, “Everyone’s brain learns differently, and this will help us understand your strengths and what feels hard for you.” If your child is older, invite them to share what parts of school or daily life feel frustrating or confusing. This helps them feel included and reassured that the process is supportive, not punitive.

Item descriptionSome children, often girls or those who are very sensitive or eager to please, learn to hide their struggles during the school day. They may appear calm, quiet, or well behaved in class but come home emotionally drained, irritable, or prone to big feelings. This pattern is called masking. It means the child is working hard to manage social expectations, sensory input, or anxiety without showing it on the outside.

Our evaluations are designed to look beyond surface behaviors. We gather information from multiple settings such as home, school, and the testing environment to understand what life feels like for the child in different contexts. We also use parent and teacher questionnaires, direct interaction, and conversations that help children share their experiences in a comfortable way.

By recognizing signs of masking, we can identify underlying differences related to ADHD, autism, or emotional regulation and recommend supports that help the child feel safe, understood, and able to be their true self.

Absolutely. Many adults seek evaluations after years of wondering why certain things feel harder than they seem for others. A comprehensive assessment can help clarify whether ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other factors contribute to those patterns. Adults often describe a sense of relief and self-understanding after the process. Evaluations can guide therapy, improve relationships, and support workplace or academic accommodations. Our clinic specializes in adult ADHD and autism assessments, including female and high-masking presentations that are often overlooked.

Being neurodiversity-affirming means recognizing that brains naturally vary, and that these differences—such as those seen in ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurotypes—reflect human diversity rather than disorder. We do not approach ADHD or autism as something to “fix.” Instead, we help clients understand their patterns of thinking, feeling, and processing so they can build a life that works with, not against, their neurotype. Our goal is to increase self-awareness, self-compassion, and access to supportive tools and environments.

Testing days are designed to be structured but supportive. We use a range of activities to learn about attention, memory, learning style, problem solving, and social understanding. Tasks may include puzzles, drawing, answering questions, or using an iPad or computer. We also gather information through interviews, questionnaires, and rating scales.

To prepare for testing:

• Get a good night’s sleep.

• Eat a balanced breakfast.

• Bring water and snacks.

• Complete all online forms or upload past records (such as IEPs, 504 plans, or prior evaluations) before your appointment.

We build breaks into the schedule and tailor the pace to meet each person’s needs.

Many women, girls, and high-masking individuals show subtler forms of ADHD or autism that may not fit traditional stereotypes. They might appear social, organized, or high achieving while feeling exhausted or anxious internally. Common traits include perfectionism, people-pleasing, sensory sensitivity, or chronic burnout. Because these patterns are often misinterpreted as anxiety or mood issues, many people do not receive accurate diagnoses until adulthood. Our clinic specializes in identifying these presentations using tools and interviews designed to see beyond surface behaviors.

Many women with ADHD or autism describe lifelong struggles with focus, social exhaustion, or sensory overwhelm, often hidden beneath high achievement or people-pleasing. Common signs include feeling “different” despite appearing successful, masking emotions in social settings, chronic stress or burnout, and difficulty sustaining motivation unless deeply interested. If this sounds familiar, a neurodiversity-affirming assessment can help bring clarity and self-understanding.

These terms overlap but differ slightly in focus:

• Psychological evaluations explore mood, personality, and emotional functioning.

• Neuropsychological evaluations examine brain-based skills like attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning.

• Psychoeducational evaluations focus on academic skills and how a person learns within a school setting.

At our clinic, we often integrate all three approaches to provide a holistic understanding of how cognitive, emotional, and social factors interact.

The full process typically takes about four weeks from the initial intake to the feedback session. This includes the testing appointment, data analysis, and a detailed report that highlights both strengths and areas of need. You will also receive tailored recommendations for school, work, or daily life, and the opportunity to meet with your evaluator to discuss next steps.

Yes. Many clients choose to continue with therapy after their evaluation. The insights gained during the assessment often provide a meaningful foundation for ongoing growth. Our clinicians provide neurodiversity affirming therapy for adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, burnout, and other mental health concerns, as well as those seeking support related to autism, ADHD, or other forms of neurodivergence. Therapy can help you make sense of your evaluation results, build on your strengths, develop practical strategies for everyday life, and move toward the life you want to live.

We are an out-of-network provider for all insurance plans. Some clients are eligible for partial reimbursement depending on their benefits. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask about out-of-network coverage for psychological testing. We will provide detailed documentation to assist with reimbursement.

You can also visit our Fees page for information on rates, payment plans, and what is included in your evaluation.

We would love to connect. You can reach out by phone or email, or schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss whether an evaluation or therapy might be the right next step. We typically respond within one business day.