the migdas-2 (monteiro interview guidelines for diagnosing the autism spectrum) is a semi-structured, qualitative autism assessment designed to understand how your brain works across your lifetime. instead of relying only on checklists, it uses conversation, guided activities, and observation to explore patterns in communication, social relationships, sensory experiences, and interests.

this approach is strengths-based and neuro-affirming, meaning it looks at your full experience, not just deficits. many autistic adults prefer the migdas because it feels more collaborative, less performative, and more reflective of real life.

autism testing with the migdas-2 is structured but not rigid. here’s what to expect:

• intake + assessment session (about 2 hours): we meet and walk through your experiences, history, and current patterns using the migdas framework

• collateral conversation (optional, about 1 hour): with a parent, partner, or someone who knows you well (if available and helpful)

• clinical analysis + report writing: i review all data and write a comprehensive diagnostic report

• feedback session (about 1 hour): we go over results together, answer questions, and talk about next steps

the goal is not to “test” you, but to understand you.

yes. many people seek an autism diagnosis in adulthood after years of wondering why things have felt different, harder, or just… not explained.

a late diagnosis can help make sense of long-standing patterns, reduce self-blame, and give you language to advocate for your needs at work, in relationships, and in daily life.

yes. this process is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming approach. that means autism is not treated as something to “fix,” but as a valid way of being.

we focus on understanding your strengths, needs, and patterns so you can make informed choices about support, accommodations, and self-understanding.

yes. as a licensed clinical social worker in north carolina, i am qualified to complete comprehensive diagnostic assessments, including autism evaluations.

reports completed using tools like the migdas-2 are widely accepted by workplaces, schools, and other institutions in nc when documentation is needed for accommodations.

in addition to formal training in assessment and diagnosis, i bring both professional experience and lived experience of a later-in-life autism diagnosis.

if you’re looking for documentation for accommodations (work, school, etc.), this assessment provides a formal diagnostic report that is typically accepted in those settings.

at the same time, many people pursue assessment for personal clarity. both reasons are valid. you don’t have to justify why this matters to you.

insurance may cover part of the process, but not all of it.

most insurance plans reimburse for face-to-face clinical time (the assessment and feedback sessions), but do not cover the additional hours required for scoring, interpretation, and writing a comprehensive report unless you are specifically seeing a psychologist (which i am not!).

we can provide documentation for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

the total cost for a comprehensive migdas-2 autism assessment without insurance is $1065.

this includes:

• assessment materials

• 2-hour assessment session

• 1-hour collateral conversation (if applicable)

• 3+ hours of clinical analysis and report writing

• 1-hour feedback session

insurance may reimburse for the 3 hours of direct clinical time, which often leaves about $615 out-of-pocket for the full evaluation

you’ll receive a detailed written report that includes:

• whether you meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder (based on DSM-5-TR)

• a breakdown of your communication, social, and sensory patterns

• language you can use for accommodations (if needed)

• personalized recommendations for support, if you want them

we’ll also review everything together so you’re not left interpreting it on your own.

you don’t need to be certain before starting. a lot of people come in unsure.

this process is about exploring your patterns and getting clarity, not proving something or passing a test. whether the outcome is an autism diagnosis or not, most people leave with a better understanding of themselves

the migdas-2 is often preferred by autistic adults because it:

• feels more conversational and less scripted

• allows for masking and internal experiences to be discussed

• captures sensory and emotional patterns more fully

• is less dependent on how you present in a single moment

it tends to give a more accurate picture for people who have learned to “blend in” (or mask) over time.