Mental Health & Emotional Support

• Your therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist: They can help with managing overwhelm, burnout, anxiety, and any mental health concerns.

• Primary care doctor or specialist: For medication questions, referrals, or general wellness support.

Personal Support System

• Trusted family members, friends, or partners: Talk to someone who knows and respects your neurodivergence.

• Support groups (in-person or online): These can provide connection, validation, and shared coping strategies.

Systems Navigation

• Social worker, care coordinator, or case manager: If assigned, they can help with school, work, benefits, housing, or disability services.

• School/Work contacts: Disability support office (college), HR/ADA coordinator (work), or IEP/504 coordinator (school).

If You Do Not Have a Support System Yet:

You can still reach out to the following for starting support and building your network:

Mental Health & Emotional Support

• Find a therapist (self-search):

  • Inclusive Therapists – prioritizes neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care

  • Psychology Today – filter by autism, sliding scale, telehealth, identity

  • Open Path Collective – affordable therapy ($30–$60/session)

• In crisis?

  • Call or text 988 – 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  • Local emergency or mental health hotline: In your area, often through a county or state website

Community and Advocacy Support

• Autistic-led organizations that affirm identity and offer resources:

  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

  • NeuroClastic

  • Autism Support Network

• Online peer spaces: Reddit (e.g., r/Autism), Discord servers, or Facebook groups for autistic adults.

Practical Help

• Local Center for Independent Living (CIL): They assist with disability rights, housing, and services.

• State disability services: Apply for services like Medicaid waivers or case management.

Daily Living, Disability & Practical Help

• Find your local Center for Independent Living (CIL):

  • https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory

  • Free support for people with disabilities: housing, benefits, job help, advocacy

• State developmental disability services:

  • Search “[your state] office for developmental disabilities”

  • Can help you apply for Medicaid waivers, case management, or home support (especially if you have high support needs)

• Find a case manager or advocate:

  • Contact local disability nonprofits or autism foundations

  • Some cities have mental health ombudsmen or disability rights centers

Educational or Workplace Accommodations (If Needed)

• College/University?

  • Contact the Disability Services Office to request accommodations.

• At Work?

  • Contact Human Resources or the ADA coordinator

  • You do not need a formal diagnosis to request accommodations under the ADA

(For SSDI/SSI, Medicaid, OPWDD in NY, APD in FL, DDS in NJ)

I. Licensed Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)

• Accepted for:

  • Social Security (SSI/SSDI)

  • Medicaid Waivers

  • OPWDD (New York)

  • APD (Florida)

  • DDS (New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities)

• Can do:

  • Full diagnostic evaluations using DSM-5-TR

  • IQ testing (e.g., WAIS, WISC, Stanford-Binet)

  • Adaptive functioning testing (e.g., Vineland, ABAS)

  • Documentation required for state disability eligibility

• Notes:

  • Often has longer waitlists

  • Can be expensive unless covered by insurance or state programs

II. Psychiatrist (MD or DO)

• Accepted for:

  • SSI/SSDI

  • Medicaid (general)

  • May be accepted as supporting documentation for OPWDD, DDS, or APD

• Can do:

  • Diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD

  • Prescribe medication

  • Write summary letters of clinical findings

• Limitations:

  • Typically does not conduct IQ or adaptive testing

  • Documentation alone often not sufficient for DDS/OPWDD/APD

III. Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Mental Health Counselor (LCSW, LMHC, LPC)

• May support:

  • Medicaid services

  • SSI/SSDI (as supporting evidence)

• Can do:

  • Diagnosis in many states

  • Provide documentation of therapy history and functional limitations

• Limitations:

  • Reports usually not accepted alone for DDS, OPWDD, or APD

  • May need to refer out for psychological testing

IV. SSA-Scheduled Consultative Exam (CE)

• Accepted for:

  • SSI/SSDI only

• Can do:

  • Brief diagnostic assessment scheduled by SSA if you don’t have documentation

• Limitations:

  • Not comprehensive

  • Not valid for DDS (NJ), OPWDD (NY), or APD (FL)

  • You don’t choose the provider

What Must Be Included in Your Evaluation (For All Programs)

1. DSM-5-TR Diagnosis

   • Clear diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or ADHD

2. Onset Before Age 22

   • Required by DDS (NJ), OPWDD (NY), APD (FL), and Medicaid waiver programs

3. Standardized Testing Results

   • Cognitive: WAIS-IV, WISC-V, Stanford-Binet

   • Adaptive: Vineland-3, ABAS-3

4. Functional Limitations in Daily Life

   • Documented impairments in:

     • Social skills

     • Self-care or daily living

     • Executive functioning

     • Communication

5. Evaluator Credentials

   • Must be a licensed psychologist or qualified physician for DDS, OPWDD, or APD approval

1. Know Your Rights

• You are protected by:

  • The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

  • IDEA (for K–12 students with IEPs)

  • FMLA (for medical leave)

  • State disability agencies, such as:

    OPWDD-NY

    DDS-NJ

    APD-FL

2. Clarify Your Needs

• Identify areas where you experience challenges (e.g., sensory sensitivity, executive functioning, social communication, etc.)

• Think about what supports would help you participate fully

• Examples of accommodations:

  • Flexible schedule or deadlines

  • Sensory-friendly environment

  • Written vs. verbal communication

  • Extended test time or alternative formats

3. Gather Documentation (If Needed)

• You do not always need to disclose your exact diagnosis

• Documentation usually just needs to:

  • State that you have a disability

  • Describe how it functionally impacts you

  • List or recommend accommodations

• A healthcare provider, evaluator, or therapist can write this

4. Make Your Request in Writing

• Include:

  • A statement that you’re requesting accommodations under the ADA (or Section 504)

  • A brief explanation of how your condition affects your ability to perform tasks

  • The specific accommodations you’re requesting

5. Send It to the Right Contact

• Employment: Human Resources or ADA Coordinator

• College/University: Disability Services or Access Center

• K–12 School: 504 or IEP coordinator

• Government Services (OPWDD, APD, DDS): Submit as part of application or speak to your assigned service coordinator

6. Keep a Record & Follow Up

• Save emails, letters, and forms

• Document names, dates, and decisions

• If denied, request the denial in writing and ask about appeal options

Do I Have to Disclose My Diagnosis?

• Short Answer: No, not always.

• Under the ADA, you are only required to:

  • Establish that you have a disability (a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities)

  • Explain how it affects your functioning

  • Show why the accommodation is needed

• You do not have to name your diagnosis (like “autism” or “ADHD”) unless a specific agency or process requires it (e.g., Social Security Disability or OPWDD/Medicaid eligibility often does).

1. Workplace Accommodation Request (Without Naming Diagnosis)

https://askjan.org/

Subject: Request for Reasonable Accommodations

Dear [Supervisor/HR/ADA Coordinator],

I am writing to formally request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I experience a disability that impacts [describe the area of difficulty, e.g., concentration, sensory regulation, communication, executive functioning].

To support my ability to perform my job effectively and sustainably, I am requesting the following accommodations:

· [List accommodation #1]

· [List accommodation #2]

I am happy to provide supporting documentation if needed. Please let me know the next steps in this process.

 Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

2. College or University Disability Services (With or Without Diagnosis)

Subject: Request for Academic Accommodations

Dear [Disability Services Coordinator’s Name],

 I am a student at [University Name] and would like to request reasonable academic accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 I experience a condition that significantly affects [e.g., focus, sensory processing, social interaction, task management]. To ensure equal access to my education, I am requesting accommodations such as:

· [List accommodation #1]

· [List accommodation #2]

 I can provide documentation from my healthcare provider or evaluator to support my request. Please let me know the appropriate process and any forms I should complete.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Student ID, if applicable]

3. Disability Services (e.g., OPWDD in NY, APD in FL, DDS in NJ)

*Contact your state agency first to determine if there is an option to apply online.

Subject: Request for Disability Accommodations and Services

Dear [Agency or Coordinator’s Name],

I am seeking support through [name of agency] due to long-standing challenges with [brief description, e.g., communication, executive functioning, emotional regulation, or other life skills]. These challenges significantly affect my ability to live independently and access services.

I am requesting:

· An eligibility evaluation or intake appointment

· Support with applying for [Medicaid Waiver/Residential Services/Day Programs/etc.]

· Accommodations to help me understand and navigate the process (e.g., plain language communication, support person present, extra processing time)

 I am open to providing documentation from a qualified provider and would like to know what is needed. Thank you for your assistance.

 Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[DOB, Address, or other required ID info]

What an LCSW Evaluation Can Be Used For

• Clinical Treatment Planning

Individual, family, or couples therapy

Psychiatric referrals

Case management or coordination of care

• Personal Understanding / Self-Knowledge

Identity development (e.g., understanding neurodivergence)

Communication tools for family, partners, employers

Accessing affirming coaching or peer support groups

• Accommodations

Workplace (ADA):

Flexible schedule

Sensory supports

Modified communication expectations

College or Grad School:

Extended test time

Reduced-distraction setting

Disability Resource Center services

Standardized Exams:

GRE, LSAT, MCAT, BAR, etc. accommodations

Insurance & Private Services:

Therapy or psychiatry referrals

Documentation for ADHD medication (depending on prescriber)

Reimbursement for out-of-network services

Community Programs:

Neurodivergent support groups

Social communication programs

Community mental health resources

 What It May Not Be Accepted For — or May Require Additional Evaluation

• School-Based Services (IEP or 504 Plan)

Often requires school psychologist or multidisciplinary team evaluation

• Social Security Disability (SSI/SSDI)

Usually needs documentation from a psychologist or physician (PhD/MD)

• State Developmental Disability Services

Examples:

• OPWDD=NY

• DDS-NJ

• APD-FL 

-Typically require diagnostic evaluation by a licensed psychologist or MD

-May require tools like ADOS, cognitive testing, or Vineland

• Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological Testing

Cognitive/IQ testing and learning disorder diagnosis must be done by a licensed psychologist or neuropsych