Nurse Daniel Hardy, MSN, PMHNP-BC, PMGT-BC
A word about neurodivergence assessments
First, let's take a moment to acknowledge that, as a neurodivergent mental health professional, I understand that I'm in a unique place of privilege. I understand that there are many reasons that a person may not have been able to access a diagnosis- cost, access, and discriminatory or outdated beliefs about what a neurodivergent person "looks like." I believe that there are people with valid (self)diagnoses who have "slipped through the cracks" of professional diagnosis.
When first meeting a new client, it can be helpful to know the reason behind a desire for assessment (personal reassurance versus treatment of personal distress, seeking school or work accommodations). Although an Ohio PMHNP is permitted to assess for the presence of all conditions listed in the DSM, some work or school locations will request assessment by a provider with a doctorate-level credential. You can usually check with employee human resources or a student office of accessibility/disability services for this information.
Training and Assessment tools
I have been trained through my Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification with greater than 200 targeted clinical hours in neuropsychological testing (focused on autism/ADHD), as well as additional independent trainings.
I use a combination of scientifically validated tests for you and people who may know you well (now, in the past, or both), structured and semi-structured interview (MIGDAS, DIVA), clinical assessment, and review of any available additional information such as medical records/testing, personal documents such as report cards, or personal client notes.
Assessment flow
No two assessments are the same, however these general guidelines apply. Depending on the reason you are coming to be assessed, expect to set aside 5 to 10 hours (or more) for work related to the diagnosis process (including testing, assessment interview, gathering additional information, coordinating with important people).
Based on the information provided to me about your neurodivergence traits during the initial intake process (both the information in your email and what you write on the intake form), I will select several initial assessments for you to compete before our first visit.
Some of these assessments may be brief screeners that take less than five minutes on average while others may be full assessment tools that could take up to an hour. These longer assessments will focus on areas like sensory difficulties, socialization and masking, executive functioning, thought process, and severity of specific symptom traits. After we meet, I may select additional tests based on the information you provide me.
We will meet in person or virtually over approximately four hours, typically divided into two hour appointments. Occasionally we may meet for a third assessment appointment. The interview will include a thorough medical, social, educational, occupational and developmental health history, as well as a semi-structured interview surrounding your interests, sensory preferences, and social traits and routines.
