Sachs Center | Autism & ADHDReviews 

I am an older [47] female with a high IQ, someone who has been "masking" for decades. My psychiatrist & therapist suggested finding someone who specializes in this group of patients; as both thought I was autistic [already have a ADHD Dx], but the high IQ made diagnosis a little difficult.
I made an appointment for the Autism Assessment & saw Dr Faith Sproul. She was incredible. I was very concerned, as someone with degrees in Psych & Nursing that differentiating between them would be difficult. And, while Dr Sproul did indicate there is a challenge; that she does deal with that group of patients/clients a lot & is comfortable assessing that group. I had submitted some additional assessments that I had taken that weren't part of the pre-appointment packet.
During the actual assessment Dr Sproul asked me various questions about my life and experiences. She asked specific/pointed questions; which I found very useful [as I do that with patients myself]. These work much better than open ended questions where I am unclear what the assessment is.
This wasn't an exact question, but I'll give an example of what I mean.
Instead of asking, "How did the meeting go?" She'd ask, "Did the meeting make you anxious?" Having an open ended question often gets an, "Okay." or passive response. Direct questions work better, so I know what information you are looking for and can answer accordingly. I really appreciated this & wish more clinicians did this.
We went through my whole life and reviewed things at various intervals and then through various angles [scholastically, emotionally, peer/social group, etc.]. This helped establish a recurrent theme and helped create an image of me and my experiences for her.
I advised her that I had been masking for so long, that it was difficult to answer the questions as my authentic self vs my masked self. As, after 47 years some things seem intuitive and not learned. Dr Sproul assured me it would be ok and just to answer them honestly.
At the end she gave me some suggestions for support; making sure to highly recommend finding someone [a therapist] that specializes in high IQ/masking for AuADHD women with a late diagnosis. She did warn me that support groups may be difficult to find for my specific population, as the research is newer and there are more groups for people with higher needs. And, it could take time to find a group that was "the right fit." I really appreciate the environment Dr Sproul created and how supportive it was; while "feeding" my need for direct communication.
Incredible job & thank you.

Many questionnaires and actually talking to your diagnostician lead to a complete understanding for them to diagnose.

ASD and ADHD Teen Assessment

I found the clinician working with my teenage son to be warm, thorough, and clear throughout the process. She put my son at ease and asked questions that allowed him to represent himself accurately and openly. As a mental health professional, I was cautiously optimistic going in and grateful and confident coming out the other end.

So easy from scheduling to the appointment. Great experience and got the answers we needed.

My experience was great. I had Dr. Sivertsen and she was very honest and to the point with me, which I prefer and appreciate. All while still being very nice and accommodating. I told her my nervousness level, which was high, and she took the time to explain the whole process in detail. I knew that I usually blank on answers to personal questions, so I preemptively wrote documents about specific things in childhood and current life I thought were related and uploaded them beforehand. I was fully expecting to have to read them out loud and go over a lot of it because I’m used to documents not read at all, but I didn’t have to do that. One of the first things she said was she saw them and read them, even though some assessment questions may have me repeating answers I already wrote. And as the session went on, I could tell she really did read and take in everything I sent. That alone made me felt taken seriously and I deeply appreciate it, especially since I know I’m generally high masking and was ready to really have to explain myself. I didn’t have many questions because I can never think of any on the spot, but the few I did have were answered and I was encouraged to reach out if I ended up ever having any more. I also didn’t realize the day of my assessment was Mother’s Day until later, which I did feel sorry about. So thank you for taking time out of your holiday and thank you for treating me so well.

The process was seamless and very easy. I found the tests painless and the Dr was very helpful and provided resources at the end. She used her experience in addition to the online tests to diagnose me. I am still processing the results, but knowledge is power.

This is an updated review.

My initial experience was less than perfect. I raised some comments and questions and I was contacted by Dr Sachs directly who went out of his way to address my concerns and make sure I was left satisfied will ask my concerns and questions. I appreciate the individual attention given to me. Excellent drive and attention

I was incredibly nervous going into my autism assessment, but the psychologist I met with, Dr. Buigas, was very kind and gentle mannered. I felt that I was in a safe space with her, and that meant a lot to me. She explained the process to me clearly and thoroughly, and answered my questions with patience and kindness. She explained the results in detail, which helped me understand a lot more about how my brain works. The psychologists here definitely know what they're doing and have been very well trained. Dr. Buigas' empathy and perceptiveness of my high-masking autism was exceptional. I fully trust the results. I will recommend this place if anyone I know is seeking an autism or ADHD assessment.