Neurodivergence acceptance is a growing movement which is genuinely validating for those of us who have felt like we are outliers in society. I can speak on behalf of our providers..that most of us are neurodivergent. So let's talk about it, and what we're going to be offering the Arizona community.
Defining Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence refers diversity in human brains and cognitive functioning, where people may process information, behave, or communicate differently. It encompasses conditions such as autism and ADHD.
Rather than viewing these as disorders that need to be "fixed," neurodivergence acceptance embraces this diversity as normal, expected variation in humans. This is something that has been pathologized and stigmatized. But let's be honest, many of us are freaking killing it. We've found ways to compensate and exist in a world that wasn't made for us. Many of us have superpowers we may not even realize.
But this isn't to say it doesn't impact us. Because again, society wasn't made for us.
Historically, both ADHD and autism have been skewed toward diagnosing males. This excluded many women, nonbinary individuals, as well as those who have learned to mask their symptoms. Masking refers to a coping mechanism in which people consciously or unconsciously hide and/or compensate for their traits to fit in with societal expectations. Masking is also a concept that is exhausting for an individual that has to constantly live in discomfort by placing society's needs above their own.
ADHD: What is It?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) includes a bunch of symptoms under the categories: attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It can present differently in everyone - particularly in girls - who do not necessarily fit the "mold" of being a hyperactive child. People who are gifted or do well in school may also be misdiagnosed under the idea that ADHD means you must do poorly in school.
Testing for ADHD can provide access to important accommodations, such as extra time on exams, focus-related supports in school or work, and insurance coverage for treatment.
Autism: What is It?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects social communication, sensory processing, and behavior. There is a spectrum in all realms of these categories -- some people are nonverbal, some people have varying levels of sensory issues, or varying levels of compensation/masking they have developed. The early understanding of autism was narrowly focused on stereotypical male presentations. It often used to be referred to as "high functioning" and "low functioning," which is non-affirming, misleading and promotes ableist ideologies.
Being evaluated for autism can lead to accommodations in school, college, or the workplace, and can help in seeking insurance preauthorizations for necessary support services. More importantly, it can be validating for a lifetime of feeling "different" and not understanding why.
The Benefits of Testing for ADHD and Autism
Formal testing for ADHD and autism provides individuals and families with concrete answers, validation, and a clearer understanding of their needs. It opens the door to accommodations in academic settings, workplaces, and other areas of life, ensuring equal opportunities and support. Although self-diagnosis is valid and widely accepted in neurodivergent communities, some people prefer a formal diagnosis for clarity or for accessing specific services.
Our Approach
At Paperflower Psychiatry, we offer a thorough and affirming approach to neurodivergent evaluations, broken down into three key appointments:
First Appointment: A comprehensive clinical interview combined with a QBtest, which is designed to assess attention and hyperactivity objectively. While the QBtest provides valuable insight, it has limitations, including its focus on behavioral markers that may not capture all aspects of ADHD, particularly in women or adults who have learned to compensate. This also only looks at categories of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity which are also implicated in disorders such as anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Second Appointment: For autism evaluations, we use a combination of the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and/or the MIFGAS (Modified Interview for the Global Assessment of Social Skills). The ADOS is a widely recognized assessment tool designed to evaluate social, communication, and behavioral aspects of autism. However, like all tools, it has limitations, particularly in identifying individuals who mask their symptoms. The MIFGAS provides a complementary perspective, assessing social skills in a broader, real-world context.
Third Appointment: A virtual follow-up where we discuss results and provide recommendations based on the evaluations. This appointment ensures that families and individuals receive clear, actionable feedback and feel supported throughout the process. The report is also sent after this follow up via email.
Investment
We recognize that evaluations in general can be expensive.
Our pricing is structured is split into three payments before each appointment totaling:
Non-established patient: $2,000
Established patient: $1,600
Established patient / ASD ONLY no ADHD testing: $1,200 (no qb test, only two appointments)
For those who pay in full upfront, we offer a 10% discount.
While we are a self-pay service, we do provide options for financial hardship if proper documentation is submitted. For inquiries, please email support@paperflowerpsychiatry.com.
Why is it so expensive?
These evaluations have taken paid training, purchasing of very specific supplies, computer programs and manuals which are costly. It also encompasses our time to prepare, review your assessments filled out beforehand, review collateral documentation, analyze the data and write our report. The amount of time that goes into these evaluations is significantly more than a regular psychiatric evaluation.
Understanding the Limits
At Paperflower Psychiatry LLC, our evaluations are performed by highly qualified nurse practitioners. However, it is important to note that diagnoses made by nurse practitioners are not recognized by the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) for eligibility purposes. These diagnoses can still be useful for accessing accommodations and insurance coverage, but for DDD eligibility, a diagnosis must come from a psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or licensed psychologist.
An additional limit is that we do not offer full psychological testing. We do not test for learning disabilities, intelligence, cognitive abilities, IQ, etc. We only test for Autism and ADHD. If we identify other areas of concern, we may refer you to follow up with specialists including but not limited to a: psychologist, neurologist, primary care doctor, gastrointestinal specialist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, or counselor.
Self Pay vs. Insurance
I will be blunt. I hate insurance. They are literally the worst. They deny paying for care. They don't pay us. They shift bills they shouldn't to you. They try to force us to give low quality, quick appointments by continuously underpaying us. They delay payments that would certainly delay our ability to be timely in our appointment scheduling and results.
By bypassing insurance, we are able to give you quality, comprehensive evaluations that you deserve.
Looking Ahead
We understand that the cost of evaluations can be a barrier for a LOT of families.
I'm working to find more affordable options -- maybe this will be a scholarship option -- I'm not sure.
I know that we will be offering a "clinical opinion + report" option via telehealth which will be affordable - but won't offer a concrete diagnosis you can use for insurance, accommodations, etc. It will be purely informational and for affirming a suspicion you may have. This option will include a two or three hour clinical interview and report at $700.
In the future, we hope to expand our offerings to include more affordable options, such as telehealth evaluations, clinical opinions instead of formal diagnoses, and potentially condensed packages based on demand.
Booking
If you are interested in booking, we are offering evaluations at our North Phoenix, Tempe + Tucson locations. Please reserve your spot now by emailing:
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