Comprehensive Autism Evaluations

Evaluation services are offered for children ages 4+, adolescents, and adults. The evaluation process includes a Clinical BioPsycoSocial interview, several self report assessments completed by the client and/or guardian, clinical interview including the AODS-2, report writing, and feedback session. The clinical interview process can take up to 3 hours, and feedback is given within approximately four weeks from the date of the clinical interview.

Adult and Child Counseling of Athens is rooted in neurodiversity affirmative principles. We hold the belief that being Autistic is a valuable, valid, and integral part of human diversity. Our approach to Autistic identification is empowering and grounded in a neurodiversity affirmative perspective. We celebrate diverse ways of engaging with the world and promote a positive self-identity for all Autistic individuals. To be neurodiversity-affirmative means to reframe the Autistic experience from a disorder to a neurotype. We use affirming language that acknowledges and validates an individual's identity as an Autistic person, emphasizing their inherent worth and value. For instance, we refer to someone as an "Autistic person" rather than a "person with Autism."

To schedule your free consultation please email info@adultchildcounselingathens.com

You might be asking yourself whether a formal evaluation is even necessary—especially if you're an adult and have lived your life without one. Within the Autistic community and here at Adult and Child Counseling of Athens, self-identification is fully respected and considered valid. Being Autistic isn’t something that starts with a diagnosis—it’s simply who you are, whether or not it’s been officially recognized.

That said, some individuals find themselves searching for more clarity. Without a formal identification, it’s not uncommon to feel like something important is missing. In some cases, not having the correct label can lead to being misunderstood or misdiagnosed with conditions like OCD or borderline personality disorder—labels that may not truly reflect your experiences.

Many adults who identify as Autistic describe their early years as confusing or difficult. For them, receiving an official diagnosis later in life often brings a deep sense of recognition, relief, and joy. It can provide a framework that finally makes sense—a way to understand yourself, your experiences, and how you relate to the world around you. It’s not just about a label; it’s about uncovering a more accurate story of who you are. This process often leads to increased self-acceptance, connection with others who truly get it, and a sense of belonging to a wider community.

Understanding your unique neurotype—how you think, feel, and process the world—can help explain past struggles and make space for growth moving forward. It can also empower you to better advocate for your needs and tap into your strengths. For many, this journey opens doors to accommodations, services, and supports that can significantly improve day-to-day life. Reframing your life through an Autistic lens can bring insight and healing, helping you rewrite your narrative with compassion and confidence.

In some situations, a formal evaluation might also be necessary—for example, if you're pursuing workplace or school accommodations and need documentation.

  1. Brief phone consultation with Shannon: Discuss your evaluation goals, provide some basic background information, and ask any questions you may have about the evaluation process. This is a free, no-obligation consultation.

  2. Schedule interview: Schedule your BioPsychoSocial interview with Shannon.

  3. Legal paperwork and payment: Electronically complete the required legal documents and make your payment through Ivy Pay. These are required to be completed before the BioPsychoSocial interview.

  4. Online self report assessments: You will be sent links to all of the required self report assessments such as the SRS-2, the SPM-2, the ASRS, and the CAT-Q.

    These are required to be completed before the clinical interview.

  5. BioPsychoSocial interview: In person biopsychosocial and symptom overview interview. This interview typically lasts 60 minutes, but can last longer.

    All legal paperwork and full payment must be completed before this interview.

  6. Clinical interview: Meet with Shannon for a clinical interview during which the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition) will be administered. This typically lasts 90-120 minutes, but can last longer.

    All self report assessments are required to be completed before this interview.

  7. Results and Report: Provider interprets and integrates the data from the empirically validated assessments, biopsychosocial history, BioPsychoSocial interview, and clinical interview and writes a formal report of the findings.

  8. Feedback Session: 50-minute follow-up session with Shannon to discuss the findings, recommendations, available supports, and your experience with the evaluation and results. You will receive your report at this session.

Evaluation, Formal Report, and Feedback Session: $950.00

Includes: Electronic questionnaires/assessments, BioPsychoSocial interview, clinical interview, formal written report that details the findings of the evaluation, and 50-minute follow-up session with your provider to discuss the findings, recommendations, available supports, and your experience with the process and results.

*Payment is due in full prior to the BioPsychoSocial interview.

**Please note: Adult and Child Counseling of Athens is considered an out-of-network provider with all insurance plans for evaluations.

At Adult and Child Counseling of Athens , we want to eliminate the barrier of long wait times and wait lists for evaluations. We strive to deliver results quickly. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation call with Shannon - Typically within one to two weeks of your inquiry.

BioPsychoSocial interview - Typically within two weeks of your consultation. You will just want to make sure you allow enough time to be able to complete your paperwork prior to the interview.

Clinical Interview - Typically within two weeks of your BioPsychoSocial interview. You will just want to make sure you allow enough time to be able to complete your online assessments prior to the interview.

​​​​​​​Written report and Feedback session - We try to have your report written complete and feedback session within 4 weeks of completing the clinical interview.

Psychologists certainly can offer testing/assessment for Autism. Testing/assessment can help guide our clinical thinking, but is no substitute for thoughtful exploration with the neurodivergent person. Other barriers are significant costs associated with a formal evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist, incredibly long time commitments to reach a diagnosis, and long waits to even get an appointment. Whoever you choose for your evaluation, you should make sure they are neurodivergent-affirming and ask them any questions you might have.

Cognitive or intelligence testing is not required for Autism evaluation unless you present with intellectual difficulties in which case you will be referred to an appropriate professional for cognitive and intellectual testing.

My Qualifications:
I have completed graduate-level coursework in testing and assessment and regularly pursue continuing education in ethics and evidence-based assessment practices. I use tools and methodologies that are appropriate for my scope as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

*Adult and Child Counseling of Athens comprehensive evaluations are generally accepted for 504s and workplace accommodations, but may/may not be accepted for IEP or Disability applications. This evaluation is not a full psychological evaluation; this is for ASD only. Full psychological evaluations or assessments for standardized testing accommodations (e.g., SAT. ACT. MCAT, LSAT, GRE) require objective testing and must be conducted by a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist.

**Please note that Adult and Child Counseling of Athens does not provide neuropsychological testing. If your evaluation results find that neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be needed, you will be referred for those services to the appropriate professional.

Shannon Millan LPC, NCC, ASDCS is currently offering Autism evaluations to ages 4+ and who are relatively verbally fluent. She is neurodivergent herself, a therapist with years of experience treating neurodiverse populations, and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist