What is the process for testing?

Here at Grapevine Psychology, testing for ADHD involves a three-part process:  The process begins with a Clinical Interview where you’ll be asked about your symptoms and the impact these symptoms have on your daily life, as well as other health and family history.  Based on your concerns, the psychologist will select tests to assess your specific concerns and the way your brain functions.  After the Clinical Interview, testing sessions will be completed in 1-3 appointments scheduled for 2-hours at a time.  After all testing data is collected, the psychologist will integrate the information and write a report of all clinical findings and recommendations.  The last step will be a feedback session where the psychologist will review the results of testing, provide treatment recommendations, and guide you on next steps.  We also encourage examinees to follow up with therapy services. Several of the therapists at Grapevine Psychology specialize in working with neurodivergent populations and can help you towards your treatment goals.

ADHD testing services are often covered by insurance and our practitioners are in-network with many of the major insurance providers. To learn more or get scheduled for the initial Clinical Interview, send us a message through the contact form.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that reflects a unique way of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world. As a form of neurodivergence, autism means that an individual's brain has innate differences in processing information, social cues, and sensory experiences. Understanding these differences is key to self-awareness, accessing support, and building a life that works for you.

Autism presents differently in every person, which is why it is described as a "spectrum." Some individuals may have significant challenges with social communication and interaction, while others may have passionate, focused interests or differences in sensory processing. It is common for autism to be confused with, or co-occur with, other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression. A specialized autism assessment can help bring clarity.

An ASD assessment can provide a clearer understanding of you or your child's unique profile, facilitate access to tailored supports, and guide therapeutic, academic, and workplace strategies.

The benefits of an Autism (ASD) Assessment:

• Provides clarity and validation regarding social, communication, or sensory experiences.
• Informs personalized support and treatment planning with your healthcare and educational teams.
• Helps distinguish autism from other mental health conditions.
• Empowers you with deeper insight into personal strengths, such as pattern recognition, loyalty, and deep focus.
• Facilitates access to school accommodations (IEPs) or workplace adjustments.

What is the process for an Autism Assessment?

At Grapevine Psychology, our assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder is a compassionate and detailed process designed to understand your unique story.  It begins with a Clinical Interview, where we will talk with you about your developmental history, life experiences, and the specific challenges and strengths you encounter in daily life.

Following this, we use specialized tools, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), which involves engaging in a series of activities and conversations to observe social interaction, communication, and play. This is not a test with right or wrong answers, but a way to better understand your natural social and communicative style.  The testing is typically completed in 1-3 appointments. Once all the information is gathered, our psychologist will integrate everything into a comprehensive report with clear findings and recommendations.If you find that therapy is not helping, or that you’re unsure of your symptoms or needs, a diagnostic evaluation may be the key to understanding more about your mental health and getting the treatment you need.

The process concludes with a Results Session, where we will review the results with you in a supportive environment, discuss what they mean for you, and provide guided next steps. We often recommend follow-up therapy, and our therapists have specific experience helping neurodivergent individuals thrive.

Autism assessment services are often covered by insurance. To learn more or to begin your journey toward understanding, please reach out to us through our contact form.

Diagnostic Assessments

Diagnostic evaluations assist clients and clinicians to arrive at clearer understanding of your mental and emotional health struggles. Additionally, diagnostic evaluations can help provide a more accurate diagnosis which can inform treatment planning with your mental healthcare team.

If you find that therapy is not helping, or that you’re unsure of your symptoms or needs, a diagnostic evaluation may be the key to understanding more about your mental health and getting the treatment you need.

All diagnostic evaluations begin with a Clinical Interview to explore your past and current symptoms, and health and family history.  The psychologist will assess whether testing would benefit you and what diagnoses need to be explored, and testing sessions will be completed in 1-3 appointments scheduled for 2-hours at a time.  The evaluation process will conclude with a feedback session to review the results of testing, provide treatment recommendations, and guide you on next steps.

The benefits of a diagnostic evaluation:

• Advises treatment planning with your mental healthcare providers.
• Clarifies areas where your mental health may be struggling.
• Offers validation by reducing uncertainty regarding mental health struggles.
• Provides insights into your personality, cognition, emotion, and interpersonal patterns.
• Informs decision-making regarding your mental health treatment.
• Compliance with mental health laws and regulations