Autism has been my life’s work. I trained in autism assessment at UCSF under Bryna Siegel, Ph.D., one of the leading experts in the field. I researched autism at Vanderbilt’s Kennedy Center, then completed my internship and post-doctoral residency at OHSU’s Child Development and Rehabilitation Center as a LEND fellow, one of very few programs of its kind in the country. I opened New Leaves Clinic in 2005, and in the years since I have evaluated and supported thousands of autistic children, teens and adults. In 2012, the Oregon Institute on Developmental Disabilities named me Provider of the Year.
I work with autistic people of every age and every ability: gifted kids and adults who were missed for years, people with intellectual disability or significant support needs, and the complex cases other providers often refer on. Much of my practice comes through word of mouth, from autistic adults and from families who have been through the process with me.
It all started when I was a little girl, visiting a foster home for people with developmental disabilities. My family did this every weekend, most of my childhood. I have never stopped loving this work.
Whoever you are and whatever brought you here, you will be listened to and respected in my office. Many neurodivergent people have been dismissed or misunderstood by healthcare providers. That won’t happen here. You’re always welcome to bring a support person or comfort items with you.
Autism is a neurological difference in how people process the world, which can shape social connection, emotions and relationships. My goal is to help each person and family create a “User’s Manual” for their brain, building self-understanding, self-acceptance and self-advocacy.
Already scheduled for an assessment? Go to Preparing for Your Assessment.
Cognitive
- Higher Support Needs and Intellectual Disability
- Many of the families I work with have autistic loved ones with intellectual disability or significant support needs. I help families understand their loved one’s strengths and challenges, plan for daily living and independence, and access the services they need, including ABA, Developmental Disability Services and disability benefits. I routinely complete evaluations for SSI, SSDI and guardianship. These evaluations are often complex, my reports are known for being thorough, and I know how much rides on getting them right.
- Gifted and Autistic (2e)
- I work with many children, teens and young adults who were first identified as gifted, and often as perfectionists, and are now discovering that autism better explains their experience. Many providers rarely see these kids. I have worked with thousands of them. They often struggle with executive functioning, grades that don’t reflect their intelligence, expository writing, friendships, dating, social anxiety, perfectionism and self-acceptance. This letter from an autistic adult to their mother, written as if by their younger self, captures how many of these kids feel inside.
PDA
I truly understand PDA, known as Pathological Demand Avoidance and, as many in the autistic community prefer, Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. At its core is an intense, anxiety-driven need for control, not defiance.
- Parents: If your child melts down over even small, everyday requests, especially ones they actually want to do, you’re not alone, and it’s not bad parenting. Many parents feel judged by others and scared about what lies ahead. I understand, and you won’t find judgment here. I help families reduce conflict, rebuild trust and find approaches that actually work at home.
- Adults: PDA doesn’t end in childhood. If everyday demands at work, at home or even from yourself trigger overwhelming resistance, even for things you truly want to do, I get it. I help adults understand their need for autonomy, quiet the self-blame and build a life that works with their brain instead of against it.
Autistic Adults
I love working with autistic adults. Many find me through word of mouth from other autistic adults, and I consider that the highest compliment. Living for years with unrecognized autism takes a real toll. Adults often come to me for help with work challenges and workplace accommodations, dating and relationships, loneliness and friendship, and anxiety, depression and autistic burnout. Many are also looking for something deeper: validation of how much undiagnosed autism has shaped their life and mental health. That matters to me.
Autistic Women
Autistic women are routinely underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. Whether you’re wondering if autism explains your experience or you already know it does, you’re welcome here. These videos on what autistic women wish others understood and on social mimicking capture experiences many women recognize in themselves. The Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network is another wonderful resource.
Autism Assessment
I’m trained in both assessment and treatment, so every evaluation I do is designed with your next steps in mind. I don’t use a one-size-fits-all battery. I build each assessment around the questions you need answered, and we finish with a feedback meeting where I explain what I found and what to do next. If I don’t think an assessment will change the diagnosis or the plan, I’ll tell you, and recommend putting that money toward treatment instead.
Many families come to me with past reports they’ve never fully understood. I’m happy to review them with you, explain what was tested and what the results mean, and help you decide whether anything more is needed.
Because I’m out of network with all insurance providers, your records go to an insurance company only if you choose to submit them for reimbursement.
A few things to know:
- My autism evaluations focus on autism and the executive function, sensory, daily living, anxiety and stress challenges that often come with it. If your questions involve sorting out autism from borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, another mood disorder or PTSD, a broader evaluation is the better fit, and I’ll refer you to a trusted colleague.
- An autism diagnosis means autistic traits are having a significant impact on daily life. An evaluation can show whether you have autistic traits, but traits don’t always meet the threshold for a formal diagnosis. Either way, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how your brain works.
Preparing for Your Assessment (Optional)
Many people find it helpful to organize their thoughts before an assessment. None of this is required. If you do any of it, just bring it with you.
Free online screeners:
Reflection guides (copy these into your own document and jot notes under each section):
- DSM-5 Autism Criteria
- Autistic Traits in Adults
- Autistic Traits in Girls and Women
- Independent Living Skills
The University of Washington supports self-identification for autistic adults. Their handout explains why and has excellent resources.
What We Work On in Therapy
Everyone’s goals are different, and therapy is shaped around what matters most to you. These are topics I often explore with autistic clients:
- Meet your community: I recommend learning from autistic people themselves, not just professionals. Good places to start: #ActuallyAutistic, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, Welcome to the Autistic Community, NeuroClastic and Reframing Autism. Oregon families can also connect with the Autism Society of Oregon.
- Understanding your brain: how autism works, along with sensory processing, executive functioning, anxiety, panic, meltdowns and shutdowns.
- Acceptance and validation: building self-acceptance, processing past bullying or isolation, and quieting the negative self-talk that fuels anxiety and depression.
- Advocacy: when and how to explain autism to others, and how to request accommodations.
- Self-care: rethinking work and school so they respect your energy and brain style.
- Independence: daily living skills and job interview skills.
- Dating and gender identity: including resources from the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network.
- Social connection: friendship and dating skills, using strategies from PEERS®, and autistic-led community at Autastic.
Community Work
I’ve worked closely with my dear friend and colleague Karla Fisher, an autistic advocate and educator, creating infographics that put autistic and non-autistic thinking differences into words. Our work is on Karla’s ASD Page and the New Leaves Clinic Facebook page, and Karla’s story is featured in Dr. Temple Grandin’s book Different… Not Less. I have also served on the Board of Directors of Thomas Edison High School, and I am a lifetime member of the Autism Society of America.
You can read more in my biography and résumé.
I cannot possibly say enough good things about Unmasking Autism by Devon Price. Everyone, literally everyone, should read or listen to it.
