Take a Neurodivergent Test 

Neurodivergent symptoms include the following (based on Northwestern Medicine):

• You have a hard time meeting society’s norms for social interactions and performing certain required behaviours like proper eye contact in social settings.

• You’re sensitive to certain stimuli such as sudden loud noises, bright flashing lights, or particular textures (including human contact/touching or being touched by other people) and smells.

• You have an intense need to perform a set of behaviours (routines and tics) and/or learn more about a specific topic which interests you.

• You tend to spend a long time on one task with deep concentration and meticulous attention to detail.

• You can easily view problems, situations, or tasks from another perspective (i.e., thinking outside the box).

• You have an innovative attitude and can propose better approaches to doing things outside of how they’re usually done.

The very nature of neurodivergence means it’s different for each neurodivergent individual. If you think you are neurodivergent but you don’t identify with any of the neurodivergent symptoms listed above, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you aren’t neurodivergent. For a full and accurate diagnosis of neurodivergence, seek the help of a neurodivergent psychologist.

A neurodivergent test for adults (also known as a neurodiversity test for adults or neurodivergent testing for adults) is a questionnaire that scores the possibility of neurodivergence in an adult. Examples of neurodivergent tests for adults include:

• Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Version 2 (MAIA-2)

• Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)

• Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)

• Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R)

A neurodivergent test for kids is a questionnaire that scores the possibility of neurodivergence in a child. Examples of neurodivergent tests for children include:

• Vanderbilt Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS)

• Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Youth Version (MAIA-Y)

• Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)

• Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Adolescent Version

A neurodivergent assessment is a comprehensive evaluation aimed at diagnosing neurodivergence and any associated conditions as well as identifying the individual’s distinct neurotype or way of thinking. A neurodivergent test is just one component of a neurodivergent assessment. Other components include interviews and observations such as the following:

• Diagnostic Interview for Adult ADHD, Third Edition (DIVA-5)

• Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2)

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)

A neurodivergent psychologist (also known as a neurodiverse psychologist, neurodiverse-affirming psychologist, or neurodiversity psychologist) is a qualified mental health professional who supports neurodivergence and has experience working with neurodiverse adults, kids, teenagers, couples, or families.

At Happy Brain, getting assessed for neurodivergence involves the following steps:

CONSULTATION

Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re the right fit. If we think so and you think so too, we’ll move forward with scheduling your first session with one of our neurodivergent psychologists. We do our best to match you with the right psychologist for your needs.

FIRST SESSION

During the session, you can tell them why you’re seeking neurodivergent testing (if you’re comfortable with doing so) and other concerns you may have. With your consent, the psychologist will review reports from your previous mental health services provider.

ASSESSMENT

Complete the neurodivergent test/s. If you consent and your household members are willing, the neurodivergent psychologist may contact them as well for other questionnaires. The psychologist will score and interpret the completed neurodivergent test/s and questionnaires. Schedule sessions with the neurodivergent psychologist for clinical interviews and diagnostic observations (if you’re comfortable doing so).

DISCUSSION

The psychologist will then discuss the results of the neurodivergent test/s, interviews, and observations as well as give their recommendations based on the results. Feel free to provide your input on what the results mean for you (e.g., how you feel about the results, whether you agree or disagree with certain parts, and what you think would be best for you in light of the results).

DIAGNOSIS

Receive the final report, including scoring and interpretation of results, from the psychologist.

The process above is just a general outline of what getting assessed for neurodivergence is like at Happy Brain. We adjust the process to the needs, concerns, personality, and situation of each individual seeking a neurodivergent assessment from us.