Autism Assessments

Seeking an autism assessment can feel like a big step for you. At Mindful You, we provide thorough, compassionate evaluations for adults that go beyond checklists and labels.

Our goal is to help you better understand your strengths, challenges, and experiences, while creating a clear plan for next steps. We approach every assessment through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, recognizing autism as a natural variation in human experience rather than something to “fix.”

The result is insight and practical recommendations that can help you navigate work, relationships, and daily life with more confidence and greater understanding. If you want answers, you deserve them.

One of the first steps in managing autism, particularly in the context of understanding neurodiversity in Minnesota, is to seek a proper assessment. I’m Carolynn Hanzal, and I am a trained professional who can help to identify the specific symptoms and challenges that you may facing.

My assessment process includes a variety of tools and techniques, such as interviews, questionnaires, and observations, to gather information about the your behavior, cognition, and emotional well-being. These assessments are crucial in understanding and managing these conditions effectively within the midwestern, Minnesota context.


Types of Assessments Provided

Option 1: Neurodivergence Screening

    • The screening consists of questions regarding your traits, history, and challenges only in relation to ADHD and autism.

    • A quick review of your information is compared to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. 

    • Your provider will discuss their findings and advise whether continuing with the diagnostic assessment is warranted. 

    • Screenings CANNOT be submitted for insurance reimbursement.

    • Cost: $350

    • Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

    • No diagnosis provided

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Option 2: Diagnostic Clinical Assessment

    • 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.

    • 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 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 1 – 3 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.  

    • This assessment CAN be submitted for insurance reimbursement (superbill can be provided) 

    • Cost: $1,150

    • Duration: 3 hours, plus a 30-minute follow-up session

    • Diagnosis provided and resources given, if appropriate

    • Can be submitted to insurance for partial reimbursement

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