Understanding and Affirming Autistic Clients

Chris Dabbs, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Valparaiso University and is a licensed psychologist and licensed mental health counselor, who is open about his own identity as an autistic clinician. In his research, Dr. Dabbs primarily focuses on ways in which social bias and stigma impact mental wellness, employment, and life satisfaction in religious minorities and people broadly described as neurodivergent. His research has been published in academic journals, collected volumes, and he has provided clinical training and presentations to national and local audiences.

Audrey Scaer, PhD, is autistic and a staff psychologist at Eastern Michigan University’s counseling center, with a particular focus on working with college students exploring autistic identity, LGBTQ+ identity, or processing experiences of identity-based trauma. Dr. Scaer attended graduate school in Oklahoma. Outside of clinical work, Dr. Scaer collaborates with Chris on research focused on autistic wellbeing.

Contribution by Maggie Savage