AutismBC Highlights: Natalie Engelbrecht and Embrace Autism

TW - discussion on suicide
What is Embrace Autism?
We reached out to Embrace Autism to find out more about assessment options for adult diagnosis. Embrace is a hub for autistic research and assessment founded by Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht Msc RP ND and Eva Silvertant B.Des, based out of Ontario. Embrace offers information, resources, and adult autism assessments online and in person.
Dr. Engelbrecht assessment will help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of yourself or affirm who you have always known yourself to be. Autistic herself, Dr. Engelbrecht is highly trained and qualified to guide through the assessment process.
How Does it Work?
The Embrace Adult Autism Assessment is done virtually in two stages.
Autism Screening: Cost $550
A preliminary assessment of your autistic traits which will indicate if pursuing a formal diagnosis is warranted. This consists of 13 questions, six psychometrics, a review of your information based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and a 10-page report based on the findings. Dr. Engelbrecht will then advise whether continuing with the diagnosis assessment is warranted. The report will be ready 12 weeks after your questionnaires and documents are submitted. No diagnosis is made on the screening alone, a formal diagnosis requires part two of the process.
Diagnostic Assessment: Cost $1150
The diagnostic assessment is a more comprehensive assessment of your autistic traits; it expands on the autism screening with an additional 7 or more psychometrics. The diagnostic assessment starts with a questionnaire. You will be invited to book an interview with Dr. Engelbrecht within 12-16 weeks after completing your diagnostic questionnaire. Your interview will consist of a 30-45 clinical interview via teleconference based on the ASOD-2 Module 4. The diagnostic assessment also includes a differential diagnosis and further examination of co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, alexithymia, PTSD, trauma, and OCD; and a virtual interview with Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht, which includes an analysis of interpersonal traits based on the ADOS-2 Module 4. Dr. Engelbrecht will then review your information based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The diagnostic report takes 8-10 weeks after the diagnostic interview has taken place.
Will my diagnosis be valid in BC?
This really depends on what you are hoping for from the diagnosis. If you wish to apply for PWD (a provincial benefit) or CLBC services then the diagnosis would need to be confirmed by an assessor in BC. If you are perusing CPP Disability and the Disability Tax Credit, those are Federal benefits so an Ontario diagnosis would be acceptable.
If you are hoping for the diagnosis as a better sense of self, an Embrace diagnosis would be extremely helpful, in addition to workplace accommodations, mental health supports, and more. You can bring your diagnosis to a psychologist or psychiatrist in BC for confirmation if needed.
embrace-autism.com/

[@livenotbylies]

This is gold. Brilliant. Thank you. I wish I could find an autistic psychologist

[@nicob4599]

This was so helpful! Thank you both!

[@user-gj5ze7sx8t]

Thank you so much, please continue. It really helps to rethink about yourself and to find out some traits (I have and considered as normal) are also autistic.

[@alihayman3834]

My psych report was 18 pages long oof

[@DS-zo8xs]

You touched on some very sensitive topics. But they are topics that are so prevalent, and they hard to hear but it's the reality of things.