Susan Dominguez, Psy.D.

I specialize in Neurodevelopmental Evaluations for Autism and ADHD throughout the lifespan. I also see children and adults for individual therapy. Currently I have immediate openings for evaluations and/or therapy. I am also participating in a research study which focuses on the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children with Autism. I am seeking children ages 6-14 who have Autism (or are suspected to have Autism) to participate in the study.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with specialized training in the assessment and treatment of neurodiverse individuals. Diagnosis of Neurodevelopmental Disorders such as Autism require specialized training and methods. I have diagnosed Autism hundreds of times and am well versed in the use of Psychological tests used in this process. I complete these evaluations for Adults and Children.

Are you a parent of a child who has symptoms which seem concerning but you've been told by his/her pediatrician or other providers, "Let's wait and see?" It is very common for parents of young children to be told this, however, I have never found that this approach has worked in the favor of any children I have encountered. Often this is said because the clinicians or doctors lack the training, experience or knowledge of how to diagnose complex presentations such as those seen in Autistic individuals. This is a relatively new field and in Pediatrics it requires specialized training. Furthermore, unless the severity is high, making these diagnoses in a short medical visit is not advisable. I have seen it happen that a well-intentioned provider will exchange a few sentences with the child and conclude they do not meet criteria for Autism. However, this does not bode well for clients who are mild to moderate in severity, as they can manage to show appropriate social and communication skills for a short time.

I have also seen parents rely on professionals whose licenses do not qualify them to make diagnoses for Neurodevelopmental disabilities such as Autism, tell them whether their child does or does not have Autism. Please note that master level therapists (e.g. MFT, LCSW), Occupational Therapists or Speech and Language Pathologists are not able to make the "medical diagnosis" of complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders such as Autism. Keep in mind that School Psychologists can only evaluate to see if the client meets educational criteria for special education categories, one of which if Autism. However, they often find that milder individuals do not meet the strict educational criteria and IEPs are often denied. For those that meet criteria, some services can be offered at school. However, School Psychologists cannot "diagnose" in such a way that your child has a diagnosis in their medical chart so that they can get insurance covered services at home or out in the community.

My comprehensive evaluations can provide the “medical diagnosis” for Autism, ADHD or other diagnoses. I can then recommend and guide you in the process of getting the most comprehensive services available for your child, most of which will be covered by insurance.