How do I Find a Clinical Psychologist Specialized in Autism and ADHD Near Me?

By Dr. Julie Landry 

Are you looking for a clinical psychologist with expertise in ADULT autism and ADHD in your local area? We know how challenging that can be! In fact, NeuroSpark was started based on our personal experiences and difficulties finding mental health specialists as neurodivergent adults.

The good news is you don't have to do it alone. This blog is meant as a guide - a 'How to Find a Clinical Psychologist Specialized in Autism and ADHD Near Me' guide. Whether you're searching for yourself, a friend, or a family member, here are some practical tips on locating the best clinical psychologist specializing in autism and ADHD near you. Let's find the support you need.
 

Understanding autism and ADHD in adults

Autism and ADHD are typically diagnosed during childhood; however, in some instances, autism and ADHD are only identified at later stages in life. Reasons for late diagnosis include high intelligence and good academic performance, gender bias, socioeconomic factors, healthcare disparities, changes to diagnostic criteria, misdiagnosis, and a lack of awareness of autistic and ADHD traits. 

Undiagnosed adults often experience an internalized sense of failure or poor self-esteem. They’re also at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and suicide. Misdiagnosed adults may receive treatment for a condition they don’t have or receive mental health support that doesn’t address the totality of their experiences. 
 

Why is it essential to work with a specialized clinical psychologist?

A large majority of clinical psychologists are not specialized in autism and ADHD, in fact, it’s more likely that they may even lack basic understanding of the spectrum of autistic and ADHD experiences beyond limited, stereotypical traits that they may have been briefly covered in their programs. For those seeking a formal assessment, a clinical psychologist with specific expertise in adult autism and ADHD is crucial. Many mental health practitioners, even psychologists, do not have the in-depth knowledge and experience necessary to provide an accurate evaluation. That’s exactly why we are so committed to furthering neurodiversity-affirming care, education, and advocacy so that neurodivergent adults are in the capable hands of clinical psychologists who specialize in autism and ADHD- and even more specifically, ADULT autism and ADHD. 

Psychologists specializing in adult autism and ADHD have a deep understanding of the unique presentation and needs of individuals within the ND community. They can identify the nuances associated with these neurotypes that other providers often miss. They recognize common co-occurring conditions and understand the difference between autism, ADHD, and AuDHD.
 

Why is finding an ND-affirming psychologist is important?

In addition to seeking out a clinician with specialized knowledge, it is crucial to find a psychologist who takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach. An ND-affirming approach means the providers view autism and ADHD as natural variations in the human brain rather than as disorders or that need to be "fixed." You can learn more about what neurodiversity-affirming approaches mean (across all settings, including but not limited to mental health).

An ND-affirming psychologist knows you are the expert of your experiences. They’ll collaborate with you to identify how your brain works and make recommendations for how you can capitalize on your unique strengths and navigate the challenges you face. They'll avoid pathologizing or trying to "normalize" neurodivergent traits and instead focus on empowering you to thrive as your authentic self.

This approach is particularly important for adults who have spent years feeling misunderstood, different, broken, or ashamed. An ND-affirming psychologist can help them reframe their self-perception, embrace their differences, and develop coping strategies that align with their natural way of being. This often leads to improved self-esteem, better mental health outcomes, and a greater sense of overall well-being.
 

How to search for a clinical psychologist near you

Obviously, NeuroSpark Health is a great place to start! Julie is an expert in assessing autism and ADHD in adults. She specializes in late diagnosis, high-masking AFABs, and 2e. She’s also PDA and LGBTQ-affirming. 

But maybe you’d like to see someone in person, need an evaluation in a different language, or you’re looking for a different approach. The following directories are great options to find the right clinical psychologist for you.

https://ndtherapists.com/
https://neurodivergentpractitioners.org/
https://pdanorthamerica.org/pda-affirming-providers/

These directories allow you to filter by specialty, location, and other relevant criteria.
 

Researching qualifications and expertise

Once you've identified a few potential clinical psychologists, look for information on their education, training, and any specialized certifications or credentials they hold. You can find more info on how to vet providers in our step by step guide to assessment. 

You'll want to find a psychologist who specializes in adult assessment (autism and ADHD look different in children). I know what you’re thinking -‘They all say they specialize in assessment.’ Here’s how you can tell. If they also specialize in other types of assessments, or autism in children, or depression, or anxiety, etc., then they’re probably a generalist rather than a specialist. (Definition of specialist: a person who has special knowledge and skill relating to a particular job, area of study, etc.)

You also want to ensure they’re up to date on the latest research in the field and understand the non-stereotypical presentations of adult autism and ADHD. 

Look for information on their overall approach and philosophy. Do they explicitly state that they are ND-affirming? Does their website use identity-first language? Do they refer to autism as a disorder? Do they say they “treat autism spectrum disorder” or talk about ABA?
 

Evaluating reviews and recommendations

In addition to researching credentials, looking for reviews and recommendations from past or current clients can also be helpful. Online platforms like Google, Yelp, and Reddit have reviews that can provide valuable insight. Sometimes, providers include client testimonials on their website. 

Pay attention to comments about communication style, ability to listen and understand the client's needs, and the overall experience. Look for patterns of positive feedback and constructive criticism that may help you assess whether the clinician is a good fit for your situation.

Keep in mind that individual experiences can vary, and a single negative review shouldn't necessarily be a dealbreaker. But if you notice multiple bad reviews or consistent themes of dissatisfaction or concern, it’s probably a sign to keep looking for a better option. 
 

What to ask during the initial consultation

Once you've narrowed your list of potential clinical psychologists, the next step is to schedule an initial consultation. The consultation is your opportunity to discuss your unique needs, learn more about their practice and process, and ask any questions. (*At NeuroSpark Health, we take a team approach to assessment. Co-founder Dani Rodwell, LCSW, does all of our assessment consultations. But if you’re interested in working with Julie, feel free to ask to meet with her as well. Happy to accommodate!)

Here are questions to ask during the consultation:

• What’s your specific training and experience working with autistic and ADHD adults?

• How long have you been conducting adult autism and ADHD evaluations?

• What does neurodiversity-affirming mean to you?

• Are you autistic/ADHD/neurodivergent?

• Have you ever worked with (insert your personal info here)?
   

Making the final decision

Choosing the right clinical psychologist or provider is a highly personal decision. Trust your instincts and the way that you feel when talking to them (or their teammates) and reading their website. Don't be afraid to shop around until you find a clinician who understands and supports your unique needs.

You deserve to feel comfortable, heard, and understood by your psychologist (and any other healthcare provider you work with). They should demonstrate genuine empathy, patience, and a willingness to collaborate with you throughout the process.

Once you've found a clinical psychologist who checks all the boxes – specialized expertise, lived experience, ND-affirming approach, positive reviews, and a strong rapport – you’re ready to take the next step and schedule your assessment.