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Comprehensive AssessmentsTailored evaluations for Autism, ADHD, and OCD.
At the OCD and Anxiety Center of Minnesota, we recognize the growing need for neurodiversity-affirming evaluations, particularly for those who may have been overlooked or misdiagnosed in the past. Our assessments emphasize individual strengths rather than deficits, offering compassionate care for adults who mask, identify as AFAB (assigned female at birth), are part of the trans or BIPOC communities, or experience overlapping diagnoses. Our goal is to help you better understand yourself through a strengths-based approach that respects your unique challenges without pathologizing them.
Adult Autism Assessment
Our detailed diagnostic approach utilizes industry-leading tools, including the MIGDAS-2 (Multilevel Impairment Group Differentiated Autism Spectrum) and SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale), combined with expert clinical observation and four additional in-depth assessments. This methodology ensures we capture autism profiles that standard evaluations may overlook.
Tailored for Complex Presentations:
Expertise in identifying subtle, "hidden" autism traits.
Clarification of overlapping conditions through precise differential diagnosis.
Insight into compensatory mechanisms, such as masking behaviors.
Recognition of diverse autism expressions across genders, cultures, and unique life histories.
Adult ADHD Assessment
Our comprehensive diagnostic process incorporates a variety of validated tools, including the CAARS-2 (Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale), DIVA 2.0 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults), and BRIEF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function). This holistic approach ensures a detailed understanding of ADHD, capturing presentations that may have been missed in the past.
Focusing on Your Unique ADHD Profile:
Identification of distinct ADHD patterns across various areas of life.
Exploration of your individual strengths and challenges.
Detailed analysis of executive functioning in everyday situations.
Insight into the compensatory strategies you’ve developed over time.
Adult OCD Assessment
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder starts with knowledge. Our in-depth assessment process goes beyond common stereotypes to uncover the true complexity of OCD and how it uniquely affects your life. This comprehensive approach is divided into three key phases:
Psychoeducation
Clear explanation of what OCD is—and what it is not.
Identification of subtle or atypical signs often missed by traditional screenings.
Exploration of environmental and cultural factors that may mask or complicate OCD diagnosis.
Symptom Mapping
Identification of both visible and hidden compulsions across different life domains.
Recognition of mental rituals, avoidance behaviors, and less apparent symptoms.
Examination of how OCD interacts with neurodivergent traits, coexisting conditions.
Clinical Evaluation
Administration of the Y-BOCS (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale), the gold standard in OCD assessment.
In-depth evaluation of symptom severity and functional impact.
Development of tailored recommendations to guide effective treatment planning.
Meet Adrien, Autism, ADHD, and OCD Assessment Specialist at OCDMN!
Adrien (they/them) focuses on providing comprehensive assessments for adults, particularly those who have been overlooked or misdiagnosed, including individuals with C/PTSD, high masking traits, or complex presentations of ADHD and Autism. Dedicated to fostering self-awareness and personal growth, Adrien collaborates with clients to explore and understand their unique neurodivergent profiles. By offering a safe and inclusive environment, Adrien empowers clients to embrace their identities, equipping them with the clarity and confidence to navigate both their strengths and challenges.
Understanding the Connection: OCD, ADHD, Autism, and the Importance of Assessment
OCD, ADHD, and Autism are interconnected through their shared neurobiological underpinnings and overlapping traits, often referred to as neurodivergence. These conditions involve differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to executive functioning, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and attention.
How They Interconnect:
Executive Functioning Challenges: Difficulty with organization, planning, and impulse control can appear in all three conditions, albeit in different ways (e.g., rigid routines in Autism, hyperfocus in ADHD, or compulsive behaviors in OCD).
Sensory Sensitivities: Overlapping sensory processing differences can contribute to heightened anxiety or discomfort, common in Autism and sometimes present in OCD and ADHD.
Repetitive Thoughts and Behaviors: While OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsions, both ADHD and Autism can involve repetitive behaviors or hyperfixation, which may sometimes look similar.
Intolerance of Uncertainty: Difficulty managing uncertainty is a core issue in OCD and can contribute to rigidity in Autism and impulsivity or restlessness in ADHD.
Why Assessment is Valuable:
Clarifying Diagnosis: Symptoms often overlap, making it difficult to differentiate one condition from another without a thorough assessment. A comprehensive evaluation can uncover whether someone has one condition, a combination, or related traits.
Tailored Support: Knowing the specific diagnosis allows for individualized treatment and support. For example, OCD often benefits from Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), while ADHD might require executive functioning strategies, and Autism might benefit from sensory and social accommodations.
Reducing Misdiagnosis: Misdiagnosis is common, particularly in women and marginalized groups, where symptoms may present atypically. Proper assessment ensures the right interventions are provided.
Empowerment Through Understanding: Assessment helps individuals understand themselves better, fostering self-compassion and providing tools to navigate their unique neurodivergence.
This interconnectedness underscores the importance of neuroaffirming, comprehensive assessments that consider the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
Your Final Report
Our reports are written using affirming, inclusive language that highlights your strengths and provides clear, empowering results. After your assessment, you will meet with Adrienne to review the findings together and address any questions you may have. Your personalized report, including tailored recommendations and actionable next steps.
Your Assessment Includes:
Comprehensive clinical interviews and in-depth observations.
Gold-standard diagnostic tools tailored to each condition.
Detailed written report featuring:
Affirming and Inclusive Language: Highlighting your strengths while avoiding stigmatizing terms.
Clear and Actionable Results: Straightforward findings with next steps for clarity and direction.
Personalized Recommendations: Tailored strategies to meet your unique goals and needs.
One-on-one feedback session to review results, ensure understanding, and address questions.
Timely delivery, with your report available within 2 weeks of your final assessment session.
You May Be a Good Fit for an Autism, ADHD, or OCD Assessment If You:
Struggle with challenges others may not notice or understand
Seek clarity about patterns in your thoughts, behaviors, and experiences
Feel previous assessments missed key aspects of your life
Use masking or compensatory strategies to navigate daily life
Want an evaluation that respects your unique identities and experiences
Need documentation for accommodations at work or school
Desire insights from a professional who understands complex or late-identified presentations
Want practical feedback that goes beyond diagnosis to understanding your strengths and needs
Our ADHD, Autism, and OCD Assessment Services
ADHD Assessments
Virtual Initial Diagnostic Interview + Assessment (DIVA-5): 2–2.5 hours
Virtual Evaluation to discuss findings: 1 hour
OCD Assessments
Virtual Initial Diagnostic Interview + Assessment (Y-BOCS, Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI)): 2-2.5 hours
Virtual Evaluation to discuss findings: 1 hour
Autism Assessments
Virtual Initial Diagnostic Interview + Assessments (MIGDAS-2, RAADS-R, CAT-Q, AQ, RBQ-2A, among others): 3 hours
Virtual Evaluation to discuss findings: 1 hour
ADHD + Autism Combo Assessments
Virtual Initial Diagnostic Interview + Assessments (DIVA-5, MIGDAS-2, RAADS-R, CAT-Q, AQ, RBQ-2A, among others): 5–6 hours
Virtual Evaluation to discuss findings: 1 hour
OCD, ADHD + Autism Combo Assessments
Virtual Initial Diagnostic Interview + Assessments (Y-BOCS, DIVA-5, MIGDAS-2, RAADS-R, CAT-Q, AQ, RBQ-2A, among others): 6–7 hours
Virtual Evaluation to discuss findings: 1 hour
What the Assessment Does Not Include
Our assessments are tailored to evaluate specific areas of neurodivergence. However, they do not cover the following:
IQ or Giftedness Testing
Full-Battery Neuropsychological Evaluations
(These evaluations provide a comprehensive understanding of brain functioning. Our assessments do not diagnose IQ, learning disorders, traumatic brain injury, or similar concerns.)
Important Limitations
Please be aware of the following limitations to our assessment services:
At this time, we do not provide Autism and ADHD assessments for children (under 18 years old), as this requires specialized expertise.
We do not offer assessments outside of Minnesota.
We do not administer assessments for adults without verbal fluency.
Note: We believe that knowing a diagnosis alone is rarely enough. True progress comes from combining this knowledge with a personalized plan and ongoing support.
We do not conduct neuropsychological testing for motor skills, memory, concept formation, visual-perceptual skills, self-sufficiency, or academic achievement. These tests are typically used for children requiring a broader assessment of intellectual function.
Referral for Neuropsychological Evaluations
If a full-battery neuropsychological evaluation is needed, we are happy to refer you to local providers. This type of evaluation may be required by some educational institutions, workplaces, or for obtaining disability benefits and academic accommodations.
OCD & Anxiety Center of Minnesota
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OCD & Anxiety Center of Minnesota •
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Do more than manage symptomsReclaim your life and thrive.
Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through each step of your journey with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support.
Contact Us.
Section Styles full-width overflow-decor
Do more than manage symptomsReclaim your life and thrive.
Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through each step of your journey with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support.