About

HOLIDAY NOTE: I’ll be unavailable and not checking email after end of day Fri, Dec 20th 2024, and I’ll start working normally again Monday, Jan 6 2025

I know what it’s like to try to force yourself to fit into a non-autistic world. I found out that I’m autistic at age 29 (sometimes called a late diagnosis or late discovery), and I understand what it’s like to have doctors, therapists, friends, or family dismiss growing suspicions that I was neurodivergent (ND). I recognize how stressed or anxious a person can be before this kind of assessment, how worried you might be that you’ll forget things you wanted to mention, or whether the healthcare professional you’re meeting with will help you feel safe, heard, and accepted. Between that kind of medical trauma and how life-changing I know a late-diagnosis can be, well, that’s why I continue choosing to do this work year after year. My goal is to provide a compassionate, safe space where neurodivergent adults can receive an autism assessment that respects their unique experiences.

I understand firsthand the relief and surreal feeling of embracing an autistic identity after decades of feeling misunderstood and exhausted. And how much grief there can be (for your past self) in finally making this discovery; it’s a complex and unique experience for each person. Just as my journey toward understanding my neurodivergence has shaped me, I’m here to support and guide you through this part of your own unique journey.

If you’re an adult who suspects they are autistic and you want an assessment, go here to start the assessment process, see here for payment information, or feel free to contact me for more information if needed.

Generally, I do have openings for assessments, but I do not have openings on my clinical caseload to work with clients doing regular psychotherapy (i.e., I could probably work with you for an assessment but not therapy afterwards).

If you have any questions before starting an assessment, feel free to send me an email: assessment@ndpsych.com

Specializing

As an autistic psychologist, I specialize in assessing adults who suspect that they may be autistic. I offer this as a remote service only, to people over 18 who can provide their own consent (I do not assess children). My approach is rooted in respect, compassion, and recognizing that you are the expert in your own experience. It’s not my role to be weirdly suspicious or to investigate your claims.

I focus my practice on assessments and diagnoses related to autism and adults. I have over 10 years of experience working in the field of mental health, and I’ve provided 1000s of hours of therapy related to a variety of concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, shame, loss, domestic violence, couples, parenting etc). That time was edifying and humbling for me, but I no longer try to be a generalist. I have been doing psychotherapy with autistic adults for years now. I also provide clinical supervision to graduate students, write articles for new-ish therapists, and create/maintain a few short courses for therapists.

Note: Some artwork on my site, created by 'pch.vector' on Freepik, has been modified by a Canadian graphic designer, by me, or used as is.

My Credentials

Registered Psychologist #4969 in Alberta, which you can verify via CAP’s membership directory by searching my name (iain Dolan)

Masters in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University 2016

I’m licensed to work with people who are in Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Yukon.

I'm here to help guide you through this journey of self-discovery. If you have any questions before starting an assessment or simply want to chat about the process, don't hesitate to send me an email at assessment@ndpsych.com. You don't have to navigate this path alone. If you’re considering contacting me on someone else’s behalf (e.g., you think your adult child or your spouse may benefit from an assessment), then read my FAQ where I explain that this very likely indicates that my services are not appropriate for that person.