Maryland ADHD & Autism Evaluations

Autism evaluations for women in Virginia

ADHD and Autism Evaluations for Adults in Maryland

At Onward Growth Psychiatry, we specialize in neuro-affirming ADHD and autism evaluations for women and professional adults in Maryland who have spent years “masking” their traits. Many high-achieving women excel in careers, relationships, and responsibilities yet quietly struggle with exhaustion, overwhelm, and the sense that something doesn’t quite fit.

If you’ve wondered whether autism could explain your experiences, you’re not alone. Our evaluations are designed for women who:

  • Want a clear, professional diagnosis that finally makes sense.
  • Mask symptoms so well that others don’t see their struggles.
  • Feel burned out from constantly performing or “fitting in.”
  • Experience sensory sensitivities that others dismiss.
  • Have a long history of being treated only for anxiety or depression.

What is High Masking Autism?

Many clients describe always being on the outside looking in, “pretending to be human,” or “constantly playing a role.” They are describing masking their neurodivergent traits in order to fit in.

If you’re a woman who has always felt “different” beneath the mask, an autism evaluation can give you clarity, relief, and self-understanding. You deserve answers—and to be seen for who you truly are.

Many people on the spectrum learn to mask, meaning they learn to cover up symptoms that aren’t socially acceptable. A neuro affirming autism evaluation takes this into account – everyone presents a little differently! A lot of people that are high masking experience extreme fatigue or feeling drained after socializing, even if they appeared to be having fun and talking to people without issue. High masking people learn to stim in socially acceptable ways, like nail biting or hair twirling and have socially acceptable special interests, like animals. High masking people may refrain from sharing their special interest in real life, and prefer to focus on online communities, like Facebook and Tumblr. Many high masking people do well in school and develop relationships, though they may develop complex social scripts they follow to fit in better.

What to Expect from an Autism Evaluation with Onward Growth

  • Confidentiality & control: No insurance record unless you choose to share.
  • Specialized expertise in adult women & masking—not every provider understands this unique presentation.
  • Faster access: Avoid the long waitlists often found at large clinics.
  • Comprehensive & affirming: We take time to understand your story, not just check boxes.
  • Clear results & feedback—a written report you can use for self-understanding, accommodations, or workplace support.

Your Evaluation Doesn’t Have to End With a Diagnosis

Depending on your needs, Onward can help you with:

  • Medication management
  • Therapy
  • ADHD coaching
  • Executive-function strategies
  • Emotional regulation
  • Burnout recovery
  • Workplace accommodations
  • Understanding neurodivergence
  • Women’s mental health
  • Developing sustainable coping strategies

Who We Serve

Our adult autism evaluations are designed for high masking women and adults Maryland including areas such as:

  • Bethesda
  • Baltimore
  • North Bethesda
  • Rockville
  • Potomac
  • Columbia
  • Annapolis

Neuro Affirming Re-evaluation

If you’ve had an experience that was wounding or non-affirming and would like to have a significantly better experience, we can help. You deserve a neuro affirming autism evaluation experience.

Should I be Evaluated for Both ADHD and Autism?

If you have not already been diagnosed with ADHD, a combined evaluation may be appropriate. There are significant overlapping symptoms between ADHD and Autism, and many adults who have one also have the other. The experience of someone with both ADHD and Autism – often times referred to as AuDHD – is unique compared to the experiences of someone who has Autism without ADHD or ADHD without Autism. If you have suspicion of ADHD, it’s beneficial to complete one evaluation for both conditions.

ADHD and Autism Evaluations for Adults in Maryland via Telehealth

All evaluations at Onward Growth are completed via telehealth. The evaluations were designed this way for a few reasons:

  1. It’s easier to be comfortable and feel safe in your own environment. This supports clients in opening up and sharing their experiences easier, compared to being in a brand-new environment.
  2. It allows access to high quality and compassionate care regardless of where people live. Where you live shouldn’t dictate what care you have access to.
  3. You don’t have to worry about the traffic that Maryland, especially the areas around DC, are famous for.

You need a consistent internet connection, a private space, and your favorite comfort items in order to complete your evaluation from home.

ADHD and Autism Evaluations for Adults in Maryland Evaluation Process

Your evaluation begins with the basics: medical background, psychiatric background, and developmental history. You will receive standardized tools before your evaluation – these help guide the conversation and support the findings from your clinical evaluation. During your evaluation, Tabitha will guide you through sharing about your experiences with relationships, social-emotional reciprocity, special interests, and how specific challenges have manifested in your life. You will be asked to share about your childhood and about your life now. Tabitha strives to be relational and conversational during evaluations.

Private Pay Cost of ADHD and Autism Evaluations for Adults in Maryland

Private pay means no waitlist and no insurance company dictating what care you are allowed to receive. Private pay puts the focus on you and allows your clinician to do a thorough evaluation without having to check arbitrary boxes for an insurance company. A private pay evaluation is an investment in yourself. Financing through Care Credit is available for those who wish to utilize it.

Adult ADHD Evaluation
$600

Adult Autism Evaluation
$1200

Adult Autism + ADHD Evaluation
$1500

get the clarity and insight you deserve today

Autism Evaluation FAQs

Everything you need to know about our evaluation process.

Do you also have to talk to my parents or other family members?

No, your evaluation is for you. We do not require collateral, though you are welcome to share it if you wish to. We believe your lived experience.

How long is the evaluation?

A typical evaluation is 2-3 hours. If you would like to be assessed for both Autism and ADHD, we will need the full 3 hours.

What do I get after my evaluation?

You will receive a written report within 24 hours of your evaluation. Your evaluation will explain if you meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis, the rationale behind the diagnosis, and recommendations for next steps or support needs.

Do I have to wait to find out if I am diagnosed?

We believe you deserve answers as soon as possible. You will find out during your appointment – no waiting required.

Who will conduct my evaluation?

Dr. Tabitha Hapeman is an expert in neurodivergence. Tabitha is a doctorate prepared nurse practitioner and conducts all autism evaluations at Onwards.

Designed for high masking women.

Financing Available