Neuroaffirming Adult ADHD & Autism Assessments in Cleveland and Across Ohio
Bringing Awareness: I See You
ADH(D) and Autism are natural neurodevelopmental differences or neurotypes, not “disorders” or “deficits” to be fixed. AuDHD describes the common, impactful overlap of being both Autistic and ADH(D).
I write “ADHD” in this manner, and not use “ASD”, to reflect this belief of neurotype differences as many neurodivergent, or neuro-affirming, folks are aligned with.
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 ADH(D), autism, and co-occurring AuDH(D) 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 years of 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 PDA (persistent demand for autonomy) profiles.
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.
Why Virtual Assessments?
Testing from your own space isn't just about convenience—it’s about clinical accuracy. Many neurodivergent adults find traditional offices overstimulating, which can lead to “masking” during the very assessment meant to identify it.
Sensory Safety: Control your lighting, temperature, and seating to stay comfortable.
Unmasked Results: You are most “you” at home. Being in a safe, familiar environment allows for a more authentic reflection of your natural processing.
Energy Preservation: Save your social battery for our conversation rather than the stress of Cleveland traffic or navigating a new building.
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.
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Yes. The Cherry AADI is a comprehensive clinical interview aligned with DSM-5-TR and ICD-11. Upon completion, you’ll receive a formal diagnostic report for medical treatment, accommodations request, disability services, and/or personal clarity.
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Adults seeking neurodivergent assessment deserve accurate, affirming diagnoses that lead to meaningful accommodation and self-understanding.
Traditional tools often fail because they were designed for children, based on white cis-male presentations, and do not account for decades of masking and adaptation.
If traditional assessment tools are like using a roadmap designed for children to navigate an adult's complex life journey, the Cherry AADI is like having a GPS that accounts for all the detours, alternate routes, and unique destinations that adults have developed over decades of experience.
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You will receive a detailed PDF Diagnostic Report. This includes your formal results, a summary of your neurodivergent profile, and specific, strengths-based recommendations for support and accommodations.
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To protect your privacy and autonomy, I do not bill insurance for assessments. This ensures your results are not part of a permanent insurance record unless you choose to share them.
I offer flexible payment plans to help make this investment accessible.
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I hear you on that.
Luckily, this is exactly why the Cherry AADI was created; to identify high-masking presentations.
This isn’t a test you can pass or fail based on not having “enough” traits or pushing yourself to really let me know how it’s affecting you because the last person didn’t see it.
Every step of this interview will have your voice and lived experiences at its the center. You will be seen. You will be heard.