Frequently Asked Questions

About Josi Health Diagnostics

At Josi Health, we’ve created a virtual clinic to streamline the autism and ADHD diagnosis process, eliminating long waitlists and supporting you in getting the care you need.

Josi Health specializes in providing high-quality, online autism and ADHD evaluations for children and adults. We aim to offer accessible, efficient, and expert-led autism and ADHD assessments through an effortless online process.

Our Josi Health care team is also here to guide you and your family through the entire process. They’ll help you schedule, answer questions, and check in after you or your child is evaluated.

At Josi Health, we encourage children and young people to attend the results session, as long as they are mature enough to understand and benefit from the discussion. This enables them to be active participants in their own care. We do recognize that every family is different, and it is up to the parent or caregiver.

We typically recommend re-evaluation every 3–5 years, especially in children. This allows clinicians to track developmental changes, adjust support plans, and ensure continued access to appropriate services. Re-evaluation in adults is less common but may be helpful if you experience new challenges or need more recent documentation for accommodations at school, work, or in healthcare settings.

This varies by state, but in general, clinical psychologists, developmental pediatricians, and neurologists can provide autism and ADHD diagnoses. At Josi Health, our licensed clinical psychologists have autism- and ADHD-specific training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care.

Yes, our autism assessments are performed by licensed clinical psychologists with a specialization in autism and ADHD evaluations. After your evaluation, we will provide you with a comprehensive diagnostic report, which can be shared with schools, employers, insurance providers, and other healthcare professionals to support recommended care (such as ABA therapy) or accommodations.

We currently provide services in over 40+ states across the United States and are working to expand the accessibility of our services. Our goal is to make high-quality autism and ADHD assessments accessible to as many families and individuals as possible.

Since our founding in early 2024, we have provided assistance to hundreds of individuals and families. We are on a mission to make high-quality autism and ADHD diagnoses available to everyone without waitlists.

Currently, our services are only available in English. However, we are always exploring ways to support our clients better. If multilingual services are something you’d like to see in the future, please let us know—your feedback is important to us!

General Information on Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that primarily affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. Besides challenges in social interaction and communication, you or your child may have learning difficulties, struggle to manage and control their emotions, and exhibit restricted or specific interests and behaviors.

Autism is referred to as a spectrum because it presents differently in each person. Some individuals require significant support, while others may have only mild challenges. The strengths and difficulties associated with autism vary widely, which is why it’s recognized as a neurodevelopmental condition rather than a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.

The exact cause of autism is unknown, but research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to its development

Autism is not a mental illness. It’s a neurological difference that cannot be eliminated or cured. It is important to remember that autism occurs along the spectrum. Each person’s experience with autism is unique.

Autism is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a clinical psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or neurologist. The process typically includes behavioral assessments, developmental history reviews, caregiver interviews (for children), and standardized diagnostic tools. Diagnosis can be done in person or virtually, depending on the provider. Josi Health offers a streamlined, virtual autism diagnosis process for children and adults, eliminating long wait times.

Autism is not an illness and, therefore, cannot be cured. However, therapies and support can help you or your child develop skills to navigate daily life more effectively.

Treatment options include behavioral therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and educational or vocational interventions tailored to individual needs.

Yes, many people with autism live independently or with minimal support. The level of independence varies based on the individual’s strengths, challenges, and access to resources like therapy, education, and job training.

Not necessarily. Autism does not equal intellectual disability. Some individuals with autism may have learning disabilities, while others have average or above-average intelligence, particularly excelling in specific areas like math, music, or art.

Research suggests that one in four children with autism may exhibit aggressive behaviors, such as biting, kicking, or throwing objects, usually when they feel anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed. These aggressive behaviors are often linked to challenges with communication, sensory sensitivities, or difficulty handling transitions and changes in routine.

Autism in Children

Common signs include limited eye contact, delayed speech and language skills, repetitive behaviors like hand flapping or rocking, and intense focus on specific interests. Children with autism may also be extremely sensitive to sounds, textures, tastes, smells, or lights; struggle with social interactions and understanding emotions; and show a strong attachment to routines, becoming distressed when those routines change. These signs often appear in early childhood, usually before the age of 3 years old.

Josi Health provides autism diagnostic evaluations to children starting at age 12 months.

Children with autism may have feeding challenges due to sensory sensitivities or behavioral issues. Addressing these challenges involves working with healthcare providers to ensure nutritional needs are met and implementing strategies to improve feeding behaviors.

Autism in Adults

Yes, adults can receive an autism diagnosis, and many do. It’s never too late to get diagnosed because understanding your neurodivergence can bring clarity and access to the right support and resources.

Adults with autism may face challenges with social interactions, including difficulty reading social cues, as well as sensory sensitivities to noise, textures, or lights. They may struggle with understanding their own and others’ emotions and often develop specialized or intense interests in specific subjects. Many prefer routines and predictability; some, especially women, engage in masking or camouflaging behaviors to blend in socially.

Obtaining a diagnosis as an adult is becoming increasingly common as there is greater awareness of autism. The evaluation will help you and those around you better understand you and your needs, forming closer relationships. A diagnosis will also allow you to access autism-specific therapies or potential work/school accommodations to support your success.

Yes, we provide assessments for individuals of all ages, including adults. In fact, over half of the patients we see are adults seeking evaluations.

General Information on ADHD

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with daily life. It is commonly diagnosed in childhood but can continue into adolescence and adulthood.

ADHD can present in different ways, and each person’s experience may vary. Still, common signs include inattention and impulsivity with or without hyperactivity that interfere with daily life. People with ADHD may struggle with staying focused, following instructions, organizing tasks, or remembering important details. They might also be fidgety, restless, excessively talkative, or prone to interrupting others. In children, ADHD often appears as difficulty sitting still, waiting their turn, or completing schoolwork, while adults may experience time management issues, forgetfulness, and trouble maintaining relationships or work responsibilities.

While traditionally classified as a disorder, ADHD is increasingly viewed as a form of neurodiversity, meaning that brain differences in people with ADHD represent natural variations rather than deficits.

Although ADHD and autism share some overlapping traits, such as difficulties with social interactions and emotional regulation, ADHD is primarily associated with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and trouble focusing, whereas autism is linked to social communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and a strong preference for routines.

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. However, research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors contributes to its development. Brain structure differences and lower dopamine levels are also linked to ADHD symptoms.

No, ADHD is not an illness. It is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition and, therefore, cannot be cured. However, with the right treatment and support, individuals can successfully manage their symptoms and thrive in daily life. Many people with ADHD learn coping strategies that allow them to excel in school, work, and relationships.

While each individual experience with ADHD is different, ADHD is typically treated with a combination of behavioral therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support strategies tailored to an individual’s needs.

ADHD medications are categorized into stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse), are the most commonly prescribed. These medications work by increasing dopamine levels to improve focus and reduce impulsivity. Non-stimulant options, like atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay), are used when stimulants are ineffective or cause side effects. These medications target neurotransmitters to improve attention and impulse control.

No, Josi Health does not prescribe ADHD medication or offer medication management. Our role is to provide high-quality diagnostic evaluations. If your treatment plan includes medication, we’re happy to share your diagnostic report with your prescribing provider to support the next steps in your care.

For adults, treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and self-management strategies such as productivity tools, self-care strategies, coaching, and stress management techniques. Many adults with ADHD also benefit from workplace accommodations to support focus and organization.

No, ADHD is not linked to intelligence levels whatsoever. Individuals with ADHD have a wide range of IQ scores, just like anyone else. However, executive function difficulties can sometimes make academic or professional performance more challenging.

Executive skills (or executive functions) are cognitive abilities that help us plan, organize, manage time, regulate emotions, and control impulses. These skills are primarily controlled by the prefrontal cortex of the brain and are essential for day-to-day functioning. People with ADHD often experience executive function challenges, which affect their ability to handle tasks like staying organized, following instructions, and managing time.

Yes! People with ADHD often excel in creativity, problem-solving, spontaneity, and activities that require high levels of energy and involvement. Many individuals with ADHD also have the ability to hyperfocus or concentrate intensely on tasks that interest them, which can be a valuable strength in the right environment.

Scheduling & Pre-Consultation Process

Typically, we can schedule individuals within 1-3 weeks after verifying their insurance information (if applicable). We are actively onboarding additional clinicians to ensure you have timely access to care.

No, in general, you do not need a referral from your doctor. However, in some instances, insurance may require a referral (rarely, but it can happen), in which case we will inform you.

Yes, it is possible to get you on the schedule today. If you do not want to go through insurance, you may contact us regarding our out of pocket option.

If you need to reschedule or cancel, please get in touch with our Josi Health care team. We kindly ask for at least 72 hours’ notice to allow us to accommodate other patients. Appointments canceled within 72 hours will be subject to a $50 late cancellation fee to respect our clinicians’ time.

If you’re less than 15 minutes late, we’ll do our best to accommodate you. However, depending on the day’s schedule, we may need to reschedule. Please notify us as soon as possible if you’re running behind. To respect our clinicians’ time, a late fee of $50 will be applied if you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment.

For adults: It is highly recommended that you bring someone you trust to the first 10-15 minutes of the appointment. The rest of the appointment will be just yourself and the clinician.

For children: A parent or guardian should join the appointment with the child.

It depends on your legal status:

If you are their legal guardian, you’ll need to provide court documentation confirming guardianship or healthcare power of attorney. Once verified, you can communicate with us about their care and join their session, just as you would with pediatric patients.

If you are not their legal guardian, they must consent to both the appointment and your presence. We require verbal consent from your child over the phone and a signed “Release of Information” form, which we will send to their email for completion.

Yes! Our video conferencing software supports multiple participants, so parents or caregivers can join if needed. However, to minimize disruptions, we recommend keeping attendees to a minimum. If additional participants are required, please let us know in advance.

For adults: It is highly recommended that you bring someone you trust to accompany you for the first 10-15 minutes of the appointment. The rest of the appointment will be just yourself and the clinician.

For pediatrics: We’ll send a list of recommended items to help us observe your child in different situations. If you have any questions or concerns about the requested items, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for guidance.

You’ll receive an email and text reminder (if opted-in) before your appointment. This link will be available in our clinical portal. We recommend joining 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth connection. When your clinician is ready to begin the appointment, they will admit you into the meeting.

You’ll receive the link directly from our clinical portal.

No, our video sessions are web-browser-based. You’ll receive a link via email or text after scheduling—just click to join; no downloads are required! You can always find the link to your appointment by logging in to our portal. If you have trouble logging in, feel free to ask for assistance.

You can use your device during the appointment as long as it’s placed on a stable surface with the camera positioned to show your upper body. This helps the clinician observe important nonverbal cues like body language, facial expressions or gestures. We kindly request that you avoid holding your phone during the session to maintain a steady view.

After you schedule your appointment, you will be asked to complete our pre-visit checklist, which will be emailed to you. We recommend setting aside 2-3 hours to work through all of the pre-visit documents – this context is critical to supporting your evaluation.

For adults – we will ask you to provide contact information for someone who knows you well to complete one of the pre-visit assessments.

For children – we will share a list of items to collect and set-up in advance of the appointment so that the clinician can guide you through some games.

You should set aside 2–3 hours to complete the pre-visit assessments. These are critical to ensuring the quality and validity of your diagnosis. For adult evaluations, one form will need to be completed by someone who knows you well. All pre-visit documents must be submitted at least 3 days before your appointment; otherwise, your appointment may need to be rescheduled and you may incur a late cancellation fee.

Our team will send multiple reminders to help you complete the necessary paperwork ahead of time. If it’s not submitted before your appointment, we may need to reschedule to ensure we can provide the best care.

Virtual Evaluation Process

You can complete the autism or ADHD diagnosis process through Josi Health in four easy steps:

  1. Submit an online intake form. Complete the appropriate forms and research-validated questionnaire for an adult or child, depending on whether you are seeking an autism and/or ADHD diagnosis for yourself or your child. 

  2. Schedule an evaluation. Connect with our intake coordinator to set up your evaluation, which takes about 5 minutes.

  3. Undergo a virtual evaluation. Participate in a video call with our diagnostician and have a top-notch evaluation from the comfort of your own home. Please expect this call to last approximately 90 minutes.

 

Receive your report and follow-up. You will receive a comprehensive report and a 30 to 60-minute debriefing call with your diagnostician within 1–3 business days after your evaluation, which you can use for future care or potential accommodations. During this call, they will discuss your results, answer questions, and help outline next steps.

Our virtual diagnostic evaluation has three simple steps:

  • Pre-Visit Checklist

Before your first meeting, you’ll complete a set of initial assessments to help us understand your case.

For adults only: Ideally, some of these assessments would be completed by someone who knows you well.

For minors: You will receive a list of items to bring to your evaluation. Please have these set-up in advance.

  • First Meeting: Evaluation

Expect the initial meeting to last about 90 minutes. During this time, our clinician will conduct a full diagnostic assessment.

  • Second Meeting: Debrief

Following the live evaluation, you’ll have a 30–60-minute follow-up to review your diagnostic report and ask any questions. Your final report will be available on our clinical portal once the process is complete.

Yes, we exclusively employ licensed clinician psychologists who are highly trained in evidence-based virtual assessments. Expect to meet with the same clinician for both appointments from your home: 

  • Diagnostic Evaluation (90 minutes): Conducted by a clinical psychologist or a licensed practitioner with specialized autism training.

  • Results Review (30-60 minutes): A clinical psychologist will go over your results, answer any questions, and provide next steps.

You can always email us at contact@josihealth.com, and we will ensure the information is passed on, or upload additional files directly on our client portal for your clinician to view directly.

The evaluation typically takes about 90 minutes. One of our qualified psychologists will administer the test, and you’ll receive a comprehensive report within 1 to 2 weeks. The psychologist will explain the report to you after the assessment and answer any questions you might have.

At this time, all appointments at Josi Health take place online.

We have adapted the gold standard for autism care to suit the virtual environment. This method has been well-studied in recent years to validate its effectiveness, and our clinicians are specifically trained to apply evidence-based assessment techniques in a virtual setting.

Conducting evaluations via telehealth allows us to provide high-quality care to you in the comfort of your own home while significantly reducing wait times for an appointment to get you connected to the care you need & deserve.

You’ll get an email notification with a link as soon as your report is uploaded to our clinical portal.

Autism symptoms can sometimes overlap with other conditions, such as speech delays, hearing difficulties, or developmental disorders. Whether or not you/your child receives an autism diagnosis, our clinicians will provide individualized treatment recommendations as part of every evaluation.

Payment & Insurance

The out-of-pocket cost is $1,500, which is collected after your diagnostic appointment and before the final debrief session. If you’re using insurance, the amount depends on your plan, similar to a regular medical visit. Our team will explain your coverage details and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs during a phone call before your first appointment.

Yes. We offer a flexible two-part payment plan. The first half of your payment will be due after your evaluation appointment and the second payment will be due 30 days later.

Just let us know if you’d like to set up this option—we’re happy to help.

If insurance doesn’t cover your evaluation, you still have options:

  1. Pay in full upfront – $1,500 after your evaluation appointment and before the final debrief.
  2. Two-part payment plan – $750 after the evaluation, $750 due 30 days later.

Absolutely! At Josi Health, we accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) as payment for evaluations.

The E&B check typically takes a couple of days but may take up to two weeks. Once we receive confirmation from your insurer, we’ll contact you to explain your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs. If insurance doesn’t cover the evaluation, we offer a cash-pay rate of $1,500 (due after the diagnostic).

For cash-pay patients, payment is due before your diagnostic appointment. Once payment is received, you’ll meet with one of our clinical psychologists and later receive your complete diagnostic report after the debrief session. If you’re using insurance, your copay is also due before the diagnostic appointment. We’ll then submit your claim, and once it’s processed, you’ll receive a bill detailing what was covered by your plan and any remaining balance.

Post-Evaluation & Additional Services

Yes, at Josi Health, we have a Care Concierge Program to assist you beyond the diagnosis. Our care concierges can answer any questions you may have as you proceed to the next step. Our team can help you find appropriate therapies in your area (speech, ABA, and occupational therapy), provide treatment planning assistance and recommendations, answer questions, and provide guidance particular to your case. We’re dedicated to guiding you through the next steps of your autism journey. Our blog also provides helpful information with tips, resources, and professional advice to assist you along the way.

Yes, Josi Health can help complete the necessary forms. Due to the time required, there is a flat fee of $30 per form.

Our clinicians assess observed behaviors to determine a diagnosis. If autism is not diagnosed, we will help identify potential alternative conditions and recommend the next steps. You’ll receive a detailed psychological assessment report, which can be used to apply for accommodations, disability benefits, or future care planning.

Regarding paperwork for disability benefits, our clinical psychologists are qualified to diagnose autism, and our reports are widely accepted. Some agencies, such as Social Security, may require additional paperwork from a medical doctor. We recommend establishing a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) alongside our process. While a PCP cannot diagnose autism, they may be required to sign off on disability forms.

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