ADHD and Autism Diagnostic Assessments
In an effort to increase access in the neurodivergent community Prism Therapy Collective provides Diagnostic Assessments. Prism supports self-identification and recognizes that there is often still a desire to have a mental health clinician confirm what you already suspect about yourself and your experience.
The assessment process will vary based on an individual's needs and desired use of the diagnosis. Whether this is for self understanding, therapeutic use or access to accommodation or medication support, we are happy to work with you to determine the best fit.
Diagnostic evaluations are currently available to Massachusetts residents ages 13 and up, virtually or in person in Acton, MA, and most clients are seen within two to three weeks of reaching out, faster than many waitlists for this kind of assessment.
Please note that different institutions (school, healthcare, work) may have varying requirements for diagnosis. We recommend that you look at what is required if you are seeking accommodations with a specific program. We are happy to help sort this out with you. This diagnostic process is not a psychological evaluation.
Confidentiality is our priority and your private medical information will not be provided to any entity without your express written permission. Prism remains actively informed of the conversations impacting those with Autism, ADHD and the broader neurodivergent community.
Our providers, Michelle and M, have over two decades of combined experience supporting neurodivergent individuals. They have extensive training in ADHD and autism assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and neurodiversity-affirming best practices.
How Can a Diagnostic Assessment Help?
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For many people, the most meaningful outcome of an assessment is a deeper understanding of themselves. A diagnosis can provide language for lifelong experiences, reduce self-doubt, guide therapy or coaching, and help you identify strategies that align with how your brain works.
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A formal assessment may support requests for a 504 Plan by documenting how a disability substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Approval is determined by your child's school, and additional documentation may be requested.
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Many colleges and universities require documentation to approve disability accommodations, such as extended testing time, reduced-distraction testing environments, note-taking support, or housing accommodations.
Requirements vary by institution, and while our formal diagnostic assessment meets the documentation standards many schools request, each college makes its own determination regarding eligibility and approval.
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A formal diagnostic assessment can support requests for reasonable workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Examples may include flexible scheduling, written instructions, noise-reducing supports, remote work, or other accommodations based on your individual needs. Approval is determined by your employer and depends on your job duties and workplace policies.
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Some medical providers require a formal diagnostic evaluation before prescribing medication for conditions such as ADHD.
Because prescribing practices vary, we recommend checking with your current healthcare provider. If needed, we're happy to provide referrals to neurodiversity-affirming prescribers.
If you need documentation for school, work, or other accommodations, the Formal Assessment is the right fit — it’s the only option that includes a full evaluation report and an accommodation request letter. If you’re looking for personal clarity and self-understanding without formal documentation, the Informal Assessment offers a shorter, more affordable path. Check out the information below for more details.
If you're unsure which option best meets your needs, we're happy to help you decide.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Individual Consultation
1 hour meeting to discuss neurodiversity-affirming recommendations for those with questions about next steps in their journey.
Documentation Provided:
Includes a general list of resources and referrals
Best For:
Personal confirmation and greater self-understanding
For those curious about next steps in terms of accessing resources, including assessment
Cost: $250
Informal Assessment
1-hour clinical interview to gather history and current experiences and to identify specific traits/symptoms.
1-hour feedback session reviewing information provided in the initial session.
Does not include screening tools or accommodations letter.
Documentation Provided:
Includes a 1-page letter
A personalized list of resources/referrals.
Best For:
Personal confirmation and greater self-understanding
Psychoeducation and individualized recommendations
Not intended for school or workplace accommodations
Cost: $500
Formal Assessment
2-hour in-depth clinical interview gathering history, current experiences, and identifying specific traits/symptoms.
1-hour feedback session reviewing the complete assessment report, recommendations, and referrals.
Pearson Sensory Profile Assessment
Review of Self-Assessments
Documentation Provided:
Includes a full 10+ page report with test results and a personalized list of resources/referrals.
Accommodation Request Letter
Best For:
Personal confirmation and greater self-understanding
School, college, and workplace accommodation requests*
Documentation for healthcare providers, employers, or educational institutions
Individualized recommendations and referrals
*Acceptance of documentation varies by institution.
Cost: $1000
We do not bill insurance directly for diagnostic assessments, but we’re happy to provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement — the same process we use for therapy sessions. Learn more on our Finances page.
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The Consultation ($250) is a single meeting to talk through your questions and get personalized recommendations for next steps — it does not include a diagnosis. The Informal Assessment ($500) includes a full clinical interview and feedback session with a one-page summary letter, offering personal clarity without formal documentation. The Formal Assessment ($1000) includes a full 10+ page report, testing, and an accommodation request letter — the only option that supports school, workplace, or other institutional accommodation requests.
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While a Formal Diagnostic Assessment is appropriate for many people seeking clarity, accommodations, or medication support, some situations require a more comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, including:
IEP evaluations
Learning disability testing
Social Security Disability applications
Court-ordered or forensic evaluations
Complex cognitive or diagnostic questions
Prism Therapy Collective offers both Formal Diagnostic Assessments and Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluations.
If you're unsure which option best meets your needs, we're happy to help you decide. -
No, this diagnostic process is not a psychological evaluation. It’s designed to explore ADHD and autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. If you need documentation for a specific institution, we recommend checking what’s required and we’re happy to help you determine which option is the right fit.
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We do not bill insurance directly for diagnostic assessments, but we’re happy to provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement — the same process we use for therapy sessions.
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Most clients are seen within two to three weeks of reaching out, faster than many waitlists for this kind of assessment. The assessment itself typically involves one to two sessions, depending on which option you choose.
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Diagnostic evaluations are currently available to Massachusetts residents ages 13 and up, either virtually or in person at our Acton, MA office.
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The Formal Assessment includes an official accommodation request letter and a full report accepted by many schools, employers, and healthcare providers. The Informal Assessment does not include this documentation. Acceptance of documentation varies by institution, so we recommend checking with the specific program or employer beforehand.
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You’ll have a feedback session to review your results, along with a personalized list of resources and referrals to support your next steps — whether that’s accessing accommodations, therapy, or simply better understanding yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) for Diagnostic Assessment
*Diagnostic evaluations are currently only available for clients located in Massachusetts who are 13 years of age and older. They can be completed virtually in MA,VT, NH, FL or in person in Acton, MA.