Frequently
Asked Questions

Dr. Sadikova has specialized training to understand the internal experiences of autistic individuals, including masking and camouflaging, and does not rely solely on outward behaviors such as eye contact. She is skilled in identifying complex trauma, which autistic individuals are unfortunately more vulnerable to, as well as co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, and borderline personality disorder, all of which can present differently in autism. Misdiagnosis is common and can be harmful, which is why seeing a clinician with extensive training in autism is essential for accurate, nuanced assessment and care.

Traditional therapy approaches, like sitting in a room with a therapist who asks abstract questions about feelings, often don’t work well for many autistic adults and children. At Affirm, therapy takes a flexible, neurodiversity-affirming approach that meets each person where they are. Dr. Sadikova brings specialized expertise in areas such as autistic burnout, helping distinguish whether someone is experiencing depression, burnout, or another challenge. Similarly, behaviors like stimming, repetitive actions, or compulsions may look like OCD, but treating them as such without understanding autism can be harmful. Therapy also addresses masking and camouflaging (strategies autistic individuals use to navigate the world), which can lead to exhaustion and burnout. These factors are critical to understanding the whole person, because autism cannot be separated from the individual, and someone who truly understands autism makes all the difference.

A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive process designed to better understand how the brain and behavior interact. The goal is to gather meaningful information and standardized test data to identify strengths, clarify diagnoses when appropriate, and provide thoughtful, individualized recommendations for support, treatment, and next steps. At Affirm, all assessments are conducted, reviewed, and interpreted by Dr. Sadikova, who has extensive training in psychological assessment. No portion of the evaluation is delegated to residents, doctoral interns, or psychometrists. An evaluation typically includes the following components: 1. Clinical Interview / Intake (1–2 hours) We begin by meeting with you (and/or your child) to gather background information and understand current concerns. This includes discussion of: • Family and developmental history • Medical and mental health history • Educational or employment background • Emotional and behavioral functioning • Past and current treatments or supports • Relevant legal or social factors This interview helps place test results into a meaningful real-world context. 2. Review of Records and Collateral Information We request and review any relevant records, such as: • School records or prior evaluations • Medical or therapy records • IEPs, 504 Plans, or academic reports With your consent, we may also collect information from others who know you or your child well, such as parents, teachers, therapists, or psychiatrists, through questionnaires or brief consultations. 3. Testing (Approximately 3–8 hours total) Most testing is interactive and hands-on, though some tasks may be computer-based. Standardized, evidence-based assessment tools are used to evaluate areas such as: • Cognitive abilities • Academic skills • Attention and executive functioning • Social communication • Emotional and behavioral functioning These tests are normed across age and demographic groups and are selected based on the specific referral questions. For children under 5, parents are often active participants during testing. For individuals age 5 and older, testing is typically completed independently, while parents wait in a separate space. 4. Feedback Session (1–2 hours) Once testing is complete, we meet with you to: • Review results in clear, understandable language • Discuss diagnoses, if applicable • Highlight strengths and areas of need • Provide practical recommendations for home, school, work, and treatment This is an opportunity to ask questions and fully understand the findings. 5. Comprehensive Written Report You will receive a detailed written report that includes: • Background information and history • Tests administered and results • Clinical impressions and diagnoses (when appropriate) • Integrated interpretation of findings • Individualized recommendations and next steps This report also serves as formal documentation of any diagnoses made and can be used to access disability-related supports and accommodations when appropriate, including: • School-based services such as 504 Plans or special education eligibility • College and graduate school accommodations • Workplace accommodations under ADA guidelines

All therapy services at Affirm are provided virtually, which offers flexibility and accessibility but may not be the right fit for everyone. Virtual therapy works best for individuals who are comfortable engaging through video and have access to a private, quiet space for sessions. Therapy with Dr. Sadikova is highly individualized and integrative. She draws from a range of evidence-based approaches and incorporates Autistic-Centered Therapy (AuCT), developed by Matt Lowry and the Autistic community (https://www.mattlowrylpp.com/blog/act-83tka). ((https://www.mattlowrylpp.com/blog/act-83tka).) Therapy at Affirm does not follow a one-size-fits-all model. Sessions may focus on emotional regulation, anxiety, OCD, trauma responses, identity exploration, executive functioning, or navigating life as a neurodivergent person. The structure, pacing, and strategies used in therapy are adapted to meet each client’s unique needs, communication style, and readiness. The goal is to create a therapeutic space that feels supportive, affirming, and genuinely helpful for the person receiving care.

Being neurodiversity-affirming means recognizing and valuing neurological differences, like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations, not as deficits to be “fixed,” but as natural and meaningful forms of human diversity. At Affirm, we integrate the social model of disability into our approach, which emphasizes that challenges often arise not from an individual’s neurology, but from the ways society is structured. Neurodiversity-affirming care does not mean focusing only on strengths or ignoring challenges. Instead, we acknowledge the difficulties individuals may experience but reframe them in a way that respects their neurodivergence and highlights opportunities for support and growth. This means we focus on removing barriers, adapting environments, and providing supports that allow each person to thrive on their own terms, rather than trying to make them fit a neurotypical mold. In practice, this looks like therapy and assessments that honor the individual’s experiences, respect their communication style, and incorporate strategies to reduce stress, burnout, and the pressures of masking or camouflaging. Being neurodiversity-affirming is about seeing the person first, understanding their unique strengths and challenges, and creating care that helps them navigate the world authentically and successfully.

Affirm is affirming in both philosophy and practice. At its core, we embrace a neurodiversity-affirming approach, recognizing that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and other cognitive variations, are natural and valuable forms of human diversity. We integrate the social model of disability, understanding that challenges often arise from societal barriers rather than from the individual, and we work to remove those barriers wherever possible. But being affirming goes beyond philosophy. At Affirm, we put this into action in many concrete ways: • Accessible and flexible communication: You can contact us through multiple channels, including phone, email, and online forms, to make reaching us as easy as possible. • Inclusive evaluation options: We offer a variety of locations and methods for assessments to meet individual needs and comfort levels, including virtual or in-person options. • Accommodations throughout the process: During evaluations, we provide supports tailored to your needs, such as shorter sessions, low-stimulation environments, or flexible timing. • Accessible reporting: We aim to write our reports clearly and collaboratively, so you can understand the findings and recommendations, and use them in school, work, or daily life. • Collaborative care: Whether in therapy or assessment, we see you as the expert in your own experience. Recommendations and treatment plans are co-created, respecting your perspective and priorities. • Website accessibility: Our digital spaces are designed to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that information and services are accessible to everyone. • Respect for individuality: From therapy strategies to assessment interpretations, we honor your communication style, your strengths, and the unique ways you experience the world.

Affirm is an out-of-network practice, and payment is due at the time of service. In most cases, I can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan’s out-of-network benefits. As a solo provider, I do not participate directly with insurance panels. This allows me to spend more time with each client, offer flexible and individualized care, and focus on the quality of services rather than insurance requirements and administrative demands.

At Affirm, we value your comfort. Please feel free to reach out using any of our contact options, including phone number, email, the contact form, or via a telehealth consultation!