Neuroaffirming Adult ADH(D) & Autism Assessments in Cleveland and Across Ohio

Bringing Awareness: I See You

ADH(D) and Autism are natural neurodevelopmental differences, not “disorders” to be fixed. AuDHD describes the common, impactful overlap of being both Autistic and ADHD.

Many high-masking adults, especially those with high intelligence and creativity, navigate the world by:

  • Studying social rules to mimic neurotypical behavior.

  • Rehearsing responses and social scripts.

  • Inventing complex coping strategies to fit into school, work, and relationships.

This “masking” often hides your core neurodivergent traits from clinicians, leading to missed or incorrect diagnoses like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Over time, the relentless effort to appear “normal” leads to social exhaustion, identity confusion, and perfectionism.

Many notice these struggles intensifying in their 30s as career and family demands outpace the energy reserves used to mask. Burnout isn't a failure, it's a sign that your environment wasn't built for your brain.

Proper assessment from a late-diagnosed ADH(D) Black counselor who truly understands your lived experiences can be life-changing. I offer clarity, strategies that respect your neurotype, and the relief of finally being seen.

Adult ADHD & Autism Diagnostic Assessment (“Cherry AADI”)

Cost: $1,500 (payment plans available)

Time: 180 minutes in interview + 30-minute follow-up session (Can be broken into 2 or 3 smaller sessions to protect your social battery and helps you budget)

Service: Formal diagnosis with recommendations/accommodations provided

Tool: Cherry Adult ADHD-Autism Diagnostic Interview (Cherry AADI)

  • Developed by Lindley Cherry, LCMHC, QS, NCC, the Cherry Adult ADHD-Autism Diagnostic Interview is a clinical assessment method designed specifically for identifying ADHD, autism, and co-occurring presentations (AuDHD) in adults.

  • Full details about the Cherry AADI can be found here: Therapist Learning Center

  • Key Features:

    • Adult-Centered Approach: Unlike tools designed for children and adapted for adults, the Cherry AADI was created specifically for adult presentations, accounting for developmental masking, compensatory strategies, and life experience factors.

    • Culturally Responsive: Incorporates systematic consideration of cultural, gender, and identity factors that influence neurodivergent presentation and recognition.

    • Strengths-Based: Emphasizes individual neurological profiles and environmental fit rather than deficit-focused assessment.

    • Comprehensive Scope: Addresses not only core diagnostic criteria but also masking behaviors, sensory processing differences, and pathological demand avoidance patterns.

  • Fee covers the time taken for assessment interview, all additional time spent completing documentation or related tasks, and follow-up session. 

  • A thorough review of your information is cross-examined with common misdiagnoses then compared to DSM-5 -TR diagnostic criteria. 

  • A comprehensive diagnostic report based on the data acquired during the assessment process is completed and a copy provided to you.  

  • The wait time for the diagnostic report ranges from only 2 – 4 weeks.  

  • At the follow-up session, your provider will discuss their findings and provide a copy of the assessment for you to review and approve.

A Note on Accessibility & Privacy:
To protect your privacy and autonomy, I do not bill insurance for assessments. This ensures you have total control over who sees your results.

I recognize that $1,500 is a significant investment, especially given the current economic climate. Accessibility is a core value of my practice. I offer highly flexible payment plans tailored to your specific budget.

Please reach out if you need an assessment but the cost feels out of reach. I am committed to serving communities that are often ignored or misunderstood. I will work with you.