Jennifer Richards

What draws me to working with autistic and neurodivergent adults is the opportunity to help people understand themselves in a way they may not have been able to before. Many adults come to an evaluation after years of recognizing that they experience the world differently, but without having an explanation that fully fits. I find it incredibly meaningful to help someone put those pieces together. I have always been drawn to assessment because it allows me to look beyond a diagnosis and understand the whole person: their experiences, strengths, challenges, and the unique way they think and interact with the world. For me, the most rewarding part is seeing what can happen when those pieces finally come together, when someone can look back at their experiences with a new perspective and move forward with a better sense of what they need.

I approach assessment with curiosity rather than assumptions. I want to understand both what comes easily to you and what requires more effort, including strengths that may sometimes be overlooked when the focus has primarily been on difficulties. I also recognize that two people with the same diagnosis can have very different experiences, strengths, needs, and goals. Throughout the evaluation, I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, asking questions, and sharing your experiences without feeling that there is a “right” way to answer. My role is not to fit you into a predetermined picture of what autism or neurodivergence should look like, but to listen carefully and understand your individual experience. Ultimately, I hope the evaluation gives you useful information you can carry forward—not only an answer about diagnosis, but a clearer understanding of your strengths, needs, and the strategies and supports that may work best for you.