Pathways Neuropsychology

Don’t waste your money or your insurance’s coverage here. I was sent by my regular psych to be assessed formally for autism as I have a genetic condition that has been found in over 70% of autists. The doctor only meets with you for 15-20min before testing and for the same amount of time after testing, but doesn’t actually administer the testing himself. The office and testing staff were all lovely and professional, but that doesn’t override the dangers of the doctor who makes the final decisions. From the first appointment he was determined to diagnose me with a personality disorder that both my therapist and regular psych laughed at because it is so untrue. The doctor used the testing to prove his point through clear confirmation bias. In addition, he reported that my physical disability is “somatic overreporting” despite having paperwork and the option to contact my cardiologist over a strictly heritable condition. After years of suffering with joint dislocations, surgeries, and daily pain, this man writes a 7 page report after meeting me for no more than 30 minutes indicating that he thinks my cardiac and autonomic nervous system disability would go away if my personality changed and I did *his* biofeedback program to prove I’m not actually in pain. What kind of pseudoscience money pit is this? If you are an adult, I urge you to travel out of the area to find a competent doctor, especially if you are suspecting neurodivergence. There is no nuance to ADHD or ASD at this practice and patient experiences are considered least important. If you are a parent, I would never recommend this 4-location practice as I am also an elementary school teacher. I have serious concerns that you would leave with a misdiagnosis or the absence of one and your child may continue to struggle in school whether socially, emotionally, or academically because this practice views these conditions as monolithic. There are real life consequences as Psy.D. Programs seek to admit people that are a “blank slate,” aka no personal experience with mental illness, learning disability, or neurodivergence. Having any of those things actually disqualifies an applicant from most programs! So instead we are left with doctors with no ability to understand or connect with patients and see them as “Other” as soon as you walk in the door. Coupled with giving these people power, you get left with doctors like this and patients horrifically misdiagnosed. Save your time and money and look for a non-Pathways practice even if it requires travel. You will be thankful that you did.

Jessica Renshaw · Published March 8, 2024