Resources
Resources
Discover helpful information and tools to stay informed.
1. Heal and Focus has two helpful modules.
a. ADHD Executive Functioning Toolkit
b. Neurodivergent-Friendly DBT Skills Workbook.
Heal & Focus | Health, Fitness & Mental Wellness Resources. The cost seems reasonable and can be purchased from the site.
2. The Neurodivergent Skills Workbook for Adults by Jennifer kemp
A neuroaffirming workbook for Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD readers―written by neurodivergent psychologists and packed with self-compassion skills to help you embrace who you are, advocate for your needs, and thrive.
As an Autistic, ADHD, or neurodivergent person, you may sometimes feel as if you’re living in a world that wasn’t designed for you. You may experience sensory sensitivities, social difficulties, executive functioning challenges, sleep issues, depression, anxiety, burnout, meltdowns, or trauma from a lifetime of marginalization, masking, and microaggressions.
3. Autismparentingmagazine.com
4. Autistic Burnout Workbook by Megan Anna Neff
Navigate the challenging terrain of autistic burnout with expert guidance, insightful visuals, and transformative exercises designed to help you pursue your own recovery from neurodivergent psychologist Dr. Megan Neff.
Feeling burnt out? You’re not alone. Autistic burnout is a challenge faced by many individuals on the autistic spectrum. And The Autistic Burnout Workbook is here to help.
I think I might be Autistic by Cynthia Kim
"I Think I Might Be Autistic: A Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Self-Discovery for Adults" begins from that "aha!' moment, addressing the many questions that follow. What do the symptoms of ASD look like in adults? Is getting a diagnosis worth it? What does an assessment consist of and how can you prepare for it?
ADHD Field Guide for Adults by Cate Osborn
WELCOME TO THE CLUB—ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in adults, yet “there are no US guidelines for diagnosing and treating patients beyond childhood” (The New York Times). With roughly eight million adults living with ADHD and more people seeking and receiving diagnoses each year, there’s a huge gap between lived experiences and straightforward information.
ADHD and Emotional Mastery by Jamie Cunningham
A Health Psychologist's Guide to Managing Anxiety, Depression, And Emotional Balance. Discover emotional balance and conquer ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression, without feeling overwhelmed by complexity.
Woman and Girls on the Autism Spectrum
The difference that being female makes to the diagnosis, life and experiences of an autistic person is hugely significant. In this widely expanded second edition, Sarah Hendrickx combines the latest research with personal stories from girls and women on the autism spectrum to present a picture of their feelings, thoughts and experiences at each stage of their lives.
Outlining the likely impact will be for autistic women and girls throughout their lifespan, Hendrickx surveys everything from diagnosis, childhood, education, adolescence, friendships and sexuality, to employment, pregnancy, parenting, and aging.
When an Adult You Love Has ADHD: Professional Advice for Parents, Partners, and Siblings by Russell A. Barkley PhD
ADHD doesn't just affect kids—adults can have it too. This will come as no surprise if you are close to an adult who has problems with attention, concentration, distractibility, impulsiveness, forgetfulness, or self-control (or all of these symptoms). The good news is that with effective treatment your loved one with ADHD can have a happier, more successful life and a stronger, closer relationship with you and others.
Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies for Increasing Focus, Attention, and Motivation With or Without Medication by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD
For some people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), medication may not be the right answer, and for others, medication alone may not be enough. Natural Relief for Adult ADHD offers an accessible, research-based guide on the most effective non-medication treatments for ADHD.
Taking off the Mask by Hannah Belcher
'I realised I had been camouflaging my whole life - I'd been trying to mask my autistic traits and fit in with all the non-autistic people around me.'
Growing up autistic can often feel as though you have to become a chameleon in social situations, camouflaging yourself to fit in with a seemingly neurotypical world. Combining lived experience with scientific research and practical advice, this book is the essential guide to understanding why you mask and how to feel confident without one.
You are not the Problem by Liz Lewis
ADHD in women is still widely misunderstood which often makes navigating the world as an ADHD woman exhausting and filled with shame. Why do I find things so challenging that other women do with ease? Why can't I get anywhere on time?
Drawing on her professional experience within the ADHD community as well as her work with late-diagnosed ADHD women, Liz Lewis is here to put these anxieties to rest. She reveals the hidden costs of masking and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, navigating relationships and motherhood, and the impossible "Triple Bind" that demands women excel in all domains while appearing effortlessly perfect.
Female Hormones and ADHD by Dr. Skoglund
Women and girls with ADHD are often left feeling misunderstood and inadequately supported by health care. This comes as no surprise when research has historically almost exclusively been conducted on boys and men, leading to a lack of understanding around female specific ADHD challenges.
Autism Video Clip
Adult ADHD Video Clip
ADHD Symptoms Explained
The Neuroscience of ADHD
Undiagnosed Autism in Adults
Difference between Autism Vs. Trauma
Autistic Girls Present Differently
Missed Autistic Traits in Women
What is a Learning Disorder
Dyslexia Test
Dyscalculia
1. Ascentautism.com
This is a structured online weekly group focused on social skills and making friends. There is a cost involved
1. AuDHD Adult Support & Advice Groups
This is a private Facebook group by “Flourishing with Neurodiversity”. They have 33 000 members and accept new members.
2. ADHD Late Diagnosis
This is a Facebook group for adults who received a late ADHD diagnosis.
3. Autism Speaks Support Group
This is a public Facebook support group with 2100 members.
4. ADHD Support Group for Adults with ADHD
This is a Facebook support group for adults. Currently 11 000 members.
5. ADHD Explained
This is a Facebook group with 104 000 members, offering helpful information and describing and explaining the internal experience of individual living with ADHD.
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- flourishwithneurodiversity.com/home This site offers helpful workshops, coaching and training, helping neurodivergent adults, families and organizations flourish.
- https://chadd.org/understanding-adhd/
- https://www.additudemag.com/resources/
- https://add.org/adhd-resources/
- http://autismspeaks.org
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC
- https://grasp.org
- Autism | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
Privacy Policy
For the collection of information from new potential clients via Google Ads.
Privacy Policy for Psychological Assessment Services PLLC
Effective date: July 7, 2026
Overview
Psychological Assessment Services PLLC is a clinical psychology practice located at 2607 Bridgeport Way W Suite 2E, University Place, WA 98466. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information from individuals who inquire about our services or submit information through our website, including information collected via Google Ads and Google Ads lead forms. This policy does not replace any notices we must provide to patients under applicable laws (for example, our Notice of Privacy Practices under HIPAA). If you become a patient, additional privacy protections may apply to your health information.
Scope
- This policy covers information you provide to us or that is collected automatically when you interact with our website and Google Ads (including conversion tracking and lead collection).
- It applies to prospective clients who contact us about services, as well as individuals who submit inquiries or otherwise communicate with us online.
- It does not apply to information we already hold about patients or clients under our care, which are governed by separate patient privacy measures and notices required by law.
What information we collect:
We may collect and process the following categories of information:
- Personal contact information you provide
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Postal address
- Preferred method of contact
- Details about your inquiry
- Reason for seeking therapy
- Availability and scheduling preferences
- Health and mental health information you voluntarily share in connection with your inquiry
- Brief descriptions of symptoms, concerns, or goals you provide in your communications Note: This information may be considered protected health information (PHI) once you become a patient and is subject to HIPAA protections. We will handle such information in accordance with applicable laws.
- Technical and usage information collected automatically
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Device type, browser type, operating system
- Referring site or URL
- Login times and duration of visits
- Pages viewed and actions taken on our site
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see “Cookies and tracking” below)
- Information obtained from Google Ads and related platforms
- When you interact with our Google Ads or complete forms associated with our ads, data related to your interaction may be collected by Google and/or our advertising and analytics providers. We may receive aggregated or de-identified information from these providers or use tags/ pixels on our site to measure ad effectiveness and conversions.
How we collect information
- Direct collection: When you voluntarily submit inquiry forms, contact us by email or phone, or otherwise communicate with us through our website.
- Automatically: Through cookies and similar technologies that help us monitor site performance, analyze traffic, and measure advertising effectiveness (including Google Ads conversion tracking).
- Through service providers: We may receive information from third-party tools (e.g., Google Ads, analytics services, customer relationship management systems) that we use to manage inquiries and scheduling, always under data processing agreements and appropriate safeguards.
How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
- Respond to your inquiry and provide information about our services
- Schedule, coordinate, and manage initial consultations or appointments
- Communicate with you about scheduling, reminders, or changes
- Provide and improve our website, services, and marketing efforts
- Comply with legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations
- Protect the safety and security of our clients, staff, and property
- (If you opt in) Send you marketing communications about our services and resources
How we share your information
We may share your information with:
- Service providers who assist with our operations (e.g., website hosting, email communications, scheduling systems, IT and security providers) under written agreements that require them to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
- Our professional or administrative staff as needed to respond to inquiries and schedule appointments.
- We may share non-identifying or aggregated data for analytics, research, or improvement of services (no PHI is shared in a manner that identifies you).
- If required by law, to respond to legal requests or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
- With your consent or at your direction (e.g., if you authorize us to share information with a third party).
Data retention:
- Lead and inquiry data: We retain personal data collected through inquiries as long as necessary to respond to your inquiry and to pursue potential engagement, plus a reasonable period for administration and compliance. A typical retention window for leads may be up to [12–24] months, after which we may anonymize or delete data unless you become a patient.
- PHI and patient records: If you become a patient, your health information will be retained in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations (commonly several years; exact periods vary by jurisdiction). Our Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we handle PHI as a patient.
Data security:
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. This includes:
- Access controls and authentication
- Encryption of data in transit (e.g., TLS) and at rest where feasible
- Secure storage with vendor and data processing agreements
- Regular staff training on privacy and security
- Monitoring and vulnerability management
Cookies and tracking technologies
- We use cookies and similar technologies to analyze site usage, personalize content, and measure advertising effectiveness (including Google Ads/conversion tracking).
- You can manage cookie preferences through your browser or via any cookie consent tool we provide. If you disable certain cookies, some features of our site may not function properly.
- Google Ads and Google Analytics may set cookies to track interactions with ads and on-site behavior. For more information on Google’s practices, review Google’s privacy policy and your Google account settings.
Google Ads and advertising disclosures
- We use Google Ads to reach potential clients. This may involve Google’s conversion tracking and remarketing technologies.
- Information collected by Google in connection with ads is governed by Google’s own privacy policy. We do not control Google’s data collection practices.
- If you prefer not to have your activities used for advertising purposes, you can adjust your ad personalization settings in your Google account, or use your browser’s opt-out mechanisms (and browser-based Do Not Track settings, where available).
Your rights Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights including:
- Access to your personal data and information about how we use it
- Correction or updating of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Deletion of data (subject to legal obligations and the need to retain records such as PHI)
- Restriction of processing
- Data portability (receiving your data in a structured, commonly used format)
- Objection to processing (including for direct marketing)
- Withdrawal of consent (for processing based on consent)
- If you are a patient, rights under HIPAA regarding PHI (access, amendment, accounting of disclosures, etc.) To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [Contact Email] or [Phone Number]. We will respond in accordance with applicable law and within required timeframes.
Children’s privacy:
Our services and website are not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under the applicable minimum age. If you believe we have collected such data, please contact us so we can remove it.
HIPAA and notices for patients:
- If you become a patient, you will receive our Notice of Privacy Practices describing how you health information (PHI) is collected, used, and disclosed and your rights under HIPAA. This privacy policy does not replace that notice.
- We may share PHI with other covered entities or business associates as needed to provide treatment, obtain payment, or perform health care operations, subject to HIPAA and state law.
Changes to this policy:
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised policy on our website and update the “Effective date.” If changes are material, we may provide additional notice as required by law.
How to contact us If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:
- Email: Louis@psytest1.com
- Phone: 253 243-8124
- Physical address: 2607 Bridgeport Way W Suite 2E, University Place, WA 98466
For Adult Autism
1. The Washington autism alliance provide helpful training workshops in this regard Home - Washington Autism Alliance.
2. [Therapy and Support for Autism | Autism Speaks|https://www.autismspeaks.org/therapy-and-support-autism]
3. [Treatment and Intervention Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder | NCBDDD | CDC|https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html]
4. The Global and Regional Autism Spectrum Partnership (GRASP)
5. [Autism | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)|https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/autism] offers links to sites and resources to support adults with AS seeking ideas, insights, and next steps.
For ADHD
https://chadd.org/understanding-adhd/
https://www.additudemag.com/resources/
https://add.org/adhd-resources/
Book: When an Adult You Love Has ADHD: Professional Advice for Parents, Partners, and Siblings by Russell A. Barkley PhD
Book: Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies for Increasing Focus, Attention, and Motivation With or Without Medicationby Stephanie Sarkis, PhD
Unpacking Unique Female Autism Traits
For decades, the model for autism was almost exclusively based on studies of boys and men. This resulted in a narrow stereotype that missed the nuanced and often internalized experiences of autistic girls and women. Recognizing these specific female autism traits is key to a more inclusive understanding of the entire spectrum.
While a common autistic trait is difficulty with social interaction, autistic women often develop highly sophisticated compensatory strategies from a young age. This can include:
- Social Masking or Camouflaging: Consciously or unconsciously mimicking the social behaviors of neurotypical peers. This can involve forcing eye contact, scripting conversations in advance, and adopting a persona that feels more socially acceptable.
- Intellectualizing Social Rules: Rather than intuitively understanding social dynamics, many autistic women learn them like a foreign language—studying, memorizing, and applying complex rules of engagement.
- Relying on a "Social Anchor": Finding one person in a social setting to shadow, letting them lead the conversation and provide cues on how to act.
These strategies, while effective for "fitting in," require immense mental energy and can lead to profound exhaustion.
The concept of a "special interest" is central to autism, but in women, these passions often defy stereotypes. Instead of trains or mechanics, an autistic woman's intense interests might be directed toward subjects considered more socially acceptable or common, such as:
- Psychology, social justice, or philosophy
- Fictional worlds (books, movies, TV shows)
- Animals and nature
- Art, history, or a specific academic field
The key differentiator is not the topic itself, but the intensity and depth of the passion. It becomes an immersive world, a source of profound joy, comfort, and expertise. This deep focus is a core part of the autistic experience, providing a rich inner life.
Living in a world not built for your sensory profile is a daily challenge. For autistic women, sensory sensitivities may be more internalized. Instead of visible meltdowns, they might endure overwhelming lights, sounds, or textures with quiet stoicism, leading to internal distress and eventual shutdown.
Similarly, differences in executive function—the mental skills that help you manage time, organize tasks, and regulate emotions—are common. This can manifest as feeling perpetually disorganized, struggling to transition between tasks, or experiencing intense emotional responses that seem disproportionate to the situation. If you've ever felt like your brain's operating system is just different, exploring your traits through a RAADSR test online can offer clarity.
The Phenomenon of Autistic Masking in Women
One of the most significant reasons autism is missed in women is the practice of masking. For many autistic masking women, it is a lifelong, subconscious survival strategy developed to navigate a neurotypical world and avoid negative social feedback. It is the constant performance of being "normal."
Why Autistic Women Mask: Social Pressure & Survival
From a young age, girls are often socialized to be more agreeable, emotionally attuned, and socially adept than boys. This immense social pressure teaches autistic girls that their natural ways of being—such as being direct in their communication, needing alone time to recharge, or stimming (repetitive movements) for self-regulation—are unacceptable.
Masking becomes a way to avoid bullying, make friends, and maintain relationships. It is a shield built to protect oneself from judgment and misunderstanding. Over time, this mask can become so integrated that the woman herself may not know where it ends and her true self begins.
While masking can help with short-term survival, its long-term cost is devastating. The constant mental calculus of suppressing natural behaviors and performing neurotypical ones leads directly to autistic burnout. This is not just feeling tired; it is a state of profound exhaustion affecting every aspect of life.
Symptoms of autistic burnout include:
- Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
- Loss of skills (e.g., ability to socialize, work, or manage daily tasks)
- Increased sensory sensitivity and meltdowns
- Worsened anxiety and depression
Recognizing the connection between masking and burnout is a crucial step in recovery. It begins with giving yourself permission to unmask and honor your authentic needs, a journey that an adult autism test can help initiate.
The combination of a skewed diagnostic model and effective masking means countless women spend decades feeling broken or flawed without knowing why. The reality for most late diagnosis autism women is a history of being misunderstood by the very systems meant to help them.
The Path to Self-Recognition & Seeking Validation
For many women today, the path to diagnosis begins with self-recognition. It’s the "aha!" moment that comes from reading an article, seeing a video from another autistic woman, and realizing, "That's me." This online community and shared experience have become a lifeline, providing the language and validation that were missing for so long. For more resources and support, you can visit organizations like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).
This journey is deeply personal and valid. Self-reflection tools serve as an essential part of this process, providing a structured framework to connect personal experiences with recognized autistic traits. A confidential autism screening can be an empowering step toward self-understanding and acceptance.
4 Challenges and 4 Strengths in High-Functioning Autism | Amen Clinics Amen Clinics
What Happens When People with Autism Go Untreated? | Amen Clinics Amen Clinics