Wilderwood’s assessments are built on a specialization and research interest in autism in women as well as the LGBTQ, non-binary, and transgendered communities. The assessments are the foundation of a diagnostic trial for the WRADIANCE© assessment, a clinical tool being developed to better assess for clinically significant diagnostic components of autism in women and minority populations. The foundation for the development of the WRADIANCE© is that autistic women and non-binary people can present very differently from the stereotypes about “autism” that are mired in a medical model drawn on observations of boys and men.
Taking a sensitive and compassionate approach to the assessment process as part of the diagnostic trial, Wilderwood brings in multiple assessment instruments to provide a comprehensive and thoughtful assessment for autism in adults. Other assessment instruments used alongside the Reflective Assessment include:
- SRS-2 Adult Autism Assessment;
- Comprehensive written narrative from each client;
- Face-to-face or remote discussion;
- Multiple pre-assessment baseline measures;
- Screening for depression and anxiety;
- Educational, employment, and medical history;
- Statement and observations from partners, parents, and/or colleagues;
- Discourse analysis;
- ACIA-based clinical interview.
Apply for an autism assessment here.
Assessment Team
Dr. Mark Evanko (ADHD)
B.Sc., D.O.
35+ years in clinical practice
Board Certified Cognitive Specialist (IBCCES)
ACIA Certified
New Mexico Medical License A-874-88
Dr. Rebecca Evanko (Au)
B.A., M.A., Ph.D., M.A., CRC (in-progress)
Board Certified Cognitive Specialist (IBCCES)
ACIA Certified
FAQs
How do I start the process?
Click on this link to access the application form.
How far out are appointments?
We are typically booked 6 weeks in advance, but maintain a cancellation list.
What is the cost?
Assessments are provided by means of a donation directly to Wilderwood. The current minimum donation is $500. The donation contributes to Wilderwood’s programs and supports the work of autistic people in the community and helps offset the expense and time involved in performing clinical assessment and development of a new assessment instrument.
Do you take insurance?
No, and because of this there is no requirement for us to report any diagnostic findings to insurance companies or any third party for that matter. Clients are assured the outcome is absolutely private.
Is the assessment “official”?
Yes.
How can the donation be made?
By credit card with a small fee levied by the third-party agency that collects the donations or via PayPal. The donation can also be made by check or money order made out to Wilderwood.
Is there a report?
Yes. Typical assessments comprise a multi-page written report as well as a separate one-page document with the assessment findings. We do this so that clients can then choose which report to use depending on their level of comfort in sharing personal information with others.
Can the assessment be done remotely or in-person?
Either.
What is involved in the narrative portion of the assessment?
Each assessment requires submission of a detailed narrative to facilitate a thorough discourse analysis. The absolute minimum is 5-6 pages, though it’s not uncommon to see 20 or even 30+ pages. The narrative asks you to recall events in your life both as a child and an adult, requiring reflective writing on your challenges, strengths, struggles, and achievements . Some clients choose to also illustrate their narratives with art, photos, poetry, or creative writing.
What does WRADIANCE mean?
WRADIANCE© stands for Wilderwood Reflective Assessment and Diagnostic Indicator of Autistic and Neurodivergent Cognitive Expression.
What is a diagnostic trial?
A diagnostic trial involves people who have signs or indications of the condition being studied and refers specifically to trials that are done in order to test, fine-tune, or otherwise develop a clinical tool and/or procedure for better diagnosing a condition. It also contributes to the reliability and validity statistics of a new diagnostic instrument as it is being developed.
Is my information private?
Yes. We do not keep data online. We do not share identifying information with anyone. We extract non-identifying data for the purposes of researching the diagnostic instrument being developed. Reports are sent through encrypted email. We are happy to send reports via regular mail on request.
Can the diagnosis be used for workplace or school accommodations?
For those receiving a diagnosis of autism, the report that is generated includes a letter of diagnosis from a licensed United States physician, and a general outline of potential accommodations that could be helpful at school or work. This letter can be used to start the process of requesting work or school accommodations. Specific accommodation request plans should be developed in collaboration with a therapist, counselor, or medical/mental health provider with whom there is an established therapeutic relationship.
Can the diagnosis be used for disability or Social Security claims?
Federal and state disability processes are involved and rigorous. The purposes of Wilderwood’s assessment process is a diagnostic trial to develop a new assessment instrument. For those who are specifically seeking disability benefits, it is highly recommended to discuss the requirements of a particular claim with the governmental department, division, or other entity involved in that process. An assessment at Wilderwood is for the purposes of diagnostic trial; as such, no producible records are kept, nor is there any implied or ongoing therapeutic relationship with any client.
I don’t live locally; can I still access a diagnostic evaluation?
Yes. Because the assessment is for the purposes of diagnostic trial to develop a new instrument, it is important that a wide representation of participants is assessed for the purposes of reliability and validity of the instrument. This includes diversity in geographic location, age, ethnicity, gender, and other multicultural variables. Diverse locations, identities, and backgrounds, therefore, are welcome and encouraged.
Do you provide ongoing therapy or counseling as part of the assessment?
No. The assessment service is for the purposes of developing a new diagnostic tool. No therapeutic relationship is implied, nor should it be inferred.
Do you diagnose other conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, or PTSD?
No. While we recognize that autism can be accompanied by other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or PTSD, this assessment service is solely for assessing autism under the auspices of a diagnostic trial for development of a new clinical tool for the assessment of autism. Having said that, as part of the research protocol, we do screen for depression and anxiety and report those results to each client with the recommendation, if indicated, to follow-up with their own clinician or health care provider.
Do you assess international clients?
Yes.
Question not listed here?
Contact Wilderwood by phone at (505) 459-9813 or email at office@wilderwoodequinetherapy.org