Since the diagnostic criteria and research were designed around boys, the criteria do not describe a female autistic experience.

This leads to skeptical clinicians and diagnosticians, as most are not properly educated on what Autism and ADHD look like for women, which leads to improper diagnoses and further invalidation of the female autistic and ADHD experience.

This means that a multitude of women are still living their lives feeling like a "freak" or "outsider" because they have not been properly diagnosed and have not had exposure to the truth about what autism and ADHD are like for women.

In women, typical autistic traits and experiences include:

There are so many positive aspects of being autistic and ADHD and amazing qualities that autistic and ADHD people have to offer, 

but we just need the space to be able to be ourselves so we can contribute without being restricted and put in the neurotypical box. 

"Autism" is not a bad word or taboo topic you should avoid, so let's talk about it.

We want to welcome an open and honest conversation about autism and ADHD, specifically in females, so we have designated our practice as a safe space for women to ask any questions you may have whether it be about autism or ADHD in general or our experiences as neurodivergent people, personally. We are more than happy to help increase understanding and acceptance, one person at a time.

Jess says, "I wouldn't change a single aspect of my life for anything, including my neurodivergence as an autistic and ADHD person. I am proud of who I am and what I am able to represent, and I hope to raise awareness about what the female autistic and ADHD experience can look like, offering a different perspective and potential hope for the women and those assigned female at birth who feel the same way I did my whole life."

Knowledge is power, and power can help so many. So, thank you for helping be a part of this change by paying it forward and helping teach others to reduce misconceptions about autism and ADHD.

Women are one of the most underdiagnosed groups when it comes to autism. 

Since the diagnostic criteria and research were designed around boys, the criteria do not describe a female autistic experience.

This leads to skeptical clinicians and diagnosticians, as most are not properly educated on what Autism and ADHD look like for women, which leads to improper diagnoses and further invalidation of the female autistic and ADHD experience.

This means that a multitude of women are still living their lives feeling like a "freak" or "outsider" because they have not been properly diagnosed and have not had exposure to the truth about what autism and ADHD are like for women.

In women, typical autistic traits and experiences include:

There are so many positive aspects of being autistic and ADHD and amazing qualities that autistic and ADHD people have to offer, 

If you're questioning Autism & ADHD, attending a neurodivergence assessment will provide you the validation and peace of mind that you deserve.

We offer assessments that comprehensively evaluate both Autism and ADHD, as we recognize the significant co-occurrence of these neurotypes among women. Our assessment options offer enhanced convenience, accuracy, and validation for our valued clients.

Our goal is to collaborate with you, leading with your lived experience, working together as co-searchers for the truth. Our clinicians utilize their clinical experience, from a neurodiversity informed lens, identifying signs and traits of females who are Autistic and/or ADHD, and will help guide you through various evidence-based screening measures, and tools developed by our specialists, that will help you understand neurodivergence and possible diagnoses.

Our lead neurodivergence specialist Jess Pliszka says, "As a woman who is Autistic and ADHD, I not only have specialized clinical experience about female Autism & ADHD, but I also have lived experience. This combination allows me to understand you on a deeper level and provide you with the most accurate clinical interpretation possible."

We prioritize your experience over measures and tests, taking a client-centered and neurodiversity-affirming approach.

The medical field has been harmful and ableist towards neurodivergent people, especially autistic individuals. Unlike most psychologists, we don't believe in solely relying on biased and outdated tests and measures to try to fit you into a box. 

We believe in the importance of questioning current methods of engaging with the autistic experience, such as the utilization of oppressive assessment tools and ignoring of neurodivergent experiences. We aim to change the current system and implement more client-focused, neuroaffirming practices by prioritizing the voices of our neurodivergent clients for more equitable and inclusive practices.

Your experience matters most, and we will work collaboratively, using your lived experience to determine which diagnostic criteria best aligns with your background.

After the assessments, we will be able to tell you whether or not you meet DSM-5-TR criteria for ASD and/or ADHD. 

Unlike traditional neuropsychological testing, which is biased, outdated, and overpriced (between $5,500 to $8,000) with no guarantee of an accurate diagnosis, our assessments provide a more effective and reliable solution. We implement the latest and most accurate neuro-affirming approaches for Autistic & ADHD women. We are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the exceptional and inclusive experience they rightfully deserve.

This service is only available to individuals physically located within the state of Wisconsin at the time of sessions.

All assessments are provided via telehealth through a secure, HIPAA Compliant video conference platform.

We do not offer out-of-network billing, claims, or superbills for assessment services.

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