Autism & ADHD

We offer diagnostic evaluations for autism and ADHD.

Neuropsychological evaluations involve detailed assessment of cognitive, social, and emotional/behavioral functioning. Assessment findings are integrated with information about brain-behavior relationships and development to identify strengths and vulnerabilities, provide diagnostic clarification, and tailor recommendations (e.g., interventions, school supports, etc.).

Child writing and completing tasks on computer.

Goals of these evaluations may include:

New diagnosis and/or differential diagnosis.
Neuropsychological re-evaluation. These are ideal for youth approaching major transitions (e.g., into high school, out of high school, into adulthood) or who experience new needs/changes in functioning.

Neurodiversity Affirming Approach

Dr. Clawson views autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity as essential parts of the spectrum of human experience. She recognizes neurodiversity is a strength rather than something that needs to be “fixed," and acknowledges that being neurodiverse in the world can sometimes be challenging.

Dr. Clawson's neurodiversity affirming approach to evaluations involves:

Including and deeply valuing an individual’s perspective and experiences in the diagnosis process
Celebrating the strengths and important contributions that come with neurodiversity
Understanding difficulties that can come with being neurodiverse in this world
Thinking carefully about how autism and ADHD may look different in each person
Integrating her neuropsychology background into assessments, going beyond diagnostics to understand thinking/learning styles and areas of strength/vulnerability

Autism Diagnoses in Transgender/Gender Diverse Youth

Research suggests that a high proportion of transgender/gender diverse youth

are also autistic. Transgender/gender diverse youth are often misdiagnosed or

diagnosed with autism later in life (as adolescents or even older). We are still

working to understand this co-occurrence, but autism may present uniquely

in these youth. A thoughtful diagnostic process is essential to consider and tailor

supports for autistic gender diverse youth.

Dr. Clawson has extensive training and expertise diagnosing autism in transgender/gender diverse youth. She is an active researcher and clinician with other experts in the field working to understand how to better support this group. She uses an approach to diagnosis that is sensitive to the overlap of gender-related needs and autism.