Neuro Affirming & Culturally Informed Diagnostic Assessments

Our services have always been provided within a neurodivergent affirming stance. We understand that Autism and ADHD are a difference in brain style. We do not treat Autism or ADHD. We treat the trauma, the impact of the experiences associated with being neurodivergent (ND) and any mental health symptoms that may be present. We believe that being neurodivergent doesn’t need a cure or to be fixed.  As a program we oppose any methods of treatment that force compliance with normative standards (example - forced eye contact). As it relates to PTSD assessments we take a similar stance - that it is important to understand the whole picture and integrating in a culturally humble lens.

For us, being culturally informed means we consider the impact of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, etc on a person’s life, behavior and current struggles. We support the fact that identity matters. We have committed to helping to reduce the gap in access to treatment and appropriate diagnosis for females, BIPOC & LGBTQ+ individuals. We recognize that these populations experience marginalization when it comes to assessment, evaluation and diagnosis - and that this experience extends into the community and normed expectations. We aim to provide a safe space where all of our clients can exist in authenticity while working to help families, loved ones and communities move towards acceptance of difference. 

We have been intentional in decisions in pricing for our diagnostic and assessment services. We recognize that our costs are much less than other programs that offer similar services. This is not an indication of our skill or the quality of the services, rather our efforts to provide affordable and accessible services. We recognize that these costs may still be unreachable for some of our clients, which is why we also offer once a month spots for low cost and free testing services. 

It's important to note that we do not provide IQ or cognitive functioning tests as part of our assessment process. IQ has historically been used as a measure of functioning, which has reenforced stigmatizing beliefs around Autism and ability. Our in person Autism screening tool is the MIGDAS-2 and tests for all aspects of Autism as indicated in the DSM. Typical Autism measurement tools are deficit based and as a results accommodations, recommendations and explanations are deficit based. The MIGDAS-2 works from a strengths and challenges perspective, allowing for testing that looks at brain style differences that coincide with the experience of being Autistic while also illuminating masking behaviors. It allows for a more authentic and qualitative shared experience, as well as information that is better geared to develop supportive accommodations.

The diagnostic assessment protocols we have developed at Heart of Therapy provide life changing information that focuses on resiliency, and shifting from a view of "what's wrong with you" to a better understanding of how your brain works. Clients move from being labels to people who are individual and unique. Why do we do this? Because we know on a personal level how important it is to understand your own neurodivergence, and trauma, and how you are impacted - and to find power and strength as you navigate through your journey of life.