Mental Health

You’re exhausted. Your sweet little toddler has turned into a tiny terror. You thought it was a phase… then just the terrible twos…. then at three things got even worse! Things are not getting better, and you need some help. You have lost control of your house and find ways to avoid taking the kids out in public, because you know it will lead to disaster and embarrassment. You have tried different things, but nothing has worked. Your parents and partner make comments but they aren’t the ones dealing with the daily battles. You sometimes find yourself letting your child get away with murder just to avoid the drag-out tantrums.

College students with learning disabilities or other mental health conditions which negatively impact their performance in the classroom, such as ADHD or mood disorders, may require documentation of these disabilities to receive accommodations, student support services for individuals with disabilities at their university, or testing accommodations.  If you are an undergraduate or graduate student who needs documentation for academic support services, learn what your university or testing organization requires. Many universities may name specific tests they prefer, and while some accept virtual testing, others do not. I am able to accommodate what many universities require for these types of evaluation, but if you email me the specific requirements, I can take a look and let you know before we schedule an appointment. (This will also help me provide an estimate of the total cost for the evaluation.)  There is not a set fee for these types of evaluations, since it depends on the assessments conducted and the time needed for the test administration and writeup.

Autism has become better understood and identified in children over the years, but there are many, many adults whose families and educators were unaware of this diagnosis when they were children. After years of feeling that something was different, many adults come to learn about autism after meeting friends who are familiar with ASD or having a relative diagnosed. Getting a good adult autism evaluation can be tricky for several reasons, but it can be really important for people to help them understand themselves and be able to better navigate the social world.Dr. Myszak recognizes that autistic adults who have not previously been diagnosed typically do not look “stereotypical” with obvious symptoms. Frequently, these individuals may be overlooked, not taken seriously, and unrecognized, even by many mental health professionals who do not specialize in this type of assessment. Dr. Myszak is aware of the different ways that autism can present in girls and women, and some of her testing focuses on their experience of “camouflaging” their symptoms and their internal experiences involving socialization. She is familiar with the concepts of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), which many families have found and identify with.

Dr. Myszak completes many evaluations with adults who have wondered about autism but not received a diagnosis before—many have gotten other diagnoses along the way, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Often, but not always, their intuition about whether they are on the spectrum is correct. Either way, she aims to help provide some guidance and support/recommendations. 

Identifying children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be life-changing and provide them access to services and information. Early intervention and targeted therapy can lead to tremendous gains for young children with autism; however, for insurance companies to cover these services, children typically need a diagnosis of Autism. Older children may need a diagnosis to justify an IEP or 504 plan in school, private support services, or other programs that require medical documentation of autism. I offer a balanced approach to evaluation, to identify both the child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a subtype of autism which many families identify with. Children with PDA experience significant anxiety, which often results in meltdowns, tantrums, and other behaviors. While PDA is not currently a separate diagnosis, when described along with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, it can open the door to understanding and strategies for families and educators.