College on the Autism Spectrum

Laurie has been working with high functioning children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and their families for 28 years and her experience and wisdom have contributed to writing a highly recommended guide for parents. The guide will encourage the mental health and well being of the college student who has autism as well as their parents. – Tony Attwood, Minds and Hearts Clinic, BrisbaneDr. Leventhal-Belfer writes an indispensable guide for preparing children with autistic spectrum disorder going to college. Her years of experience and close connections with patient families lead to clear and concise recommendations for parents. Dr. Leventhal-Belfer shares a detailed and nuanced knowledge of the specific opportunities and requirements for obtaining academic and general accommodations through the university. – Dr Michael F Haberecht, Staff Psychiatrist, Vaden Health Center, Stanford UniversityWe were very fortunate to have Dr. Laurie provide us with the guidance on how to help our son, who was diagnosed with ASD when he was very young. Dr. Laurie was there whenever we were faced with challenges related to ASD. “The Mental Health and Well-being of College Students on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for Parents” is an invaluable resource and must-read for parents who have a college-bound child with ASD. Dr. Laurie’s knowledge of the college environment helped our son navigate through the complex process and get the help he needed to successfully graduate college. – JoAnn Mendonca, Alumni parent of Dr. Laurie’s Friends ProgramThis book can truly serve as a lifesaving guide to parents of individuals with ASD who are getting ready to embark on the scary journey of sending their child to college. Frank advice, from parents, individuals with ASD and therapist is provided, offering easy strategies for greatest success. – Cheryl Klaiman Ph.D. Program Director, Diagnostic Services Marcus Autism Center

Laurie Leventhal-Belfer is a clinical psychologist based in California who specializes in taking a developmental approach to understanding mental health disorders. She has worked with autism for 25 years and has expertise in children, teens and young adults with Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders /Asperger’s Disorder, Stress and Coping and Emotional Regulation Issues. She also works with adults married to a partner on the spectrum and parents of children and has published 2 books previously. She is the founder and director of The Friends Program, a therapeutic group program for high functioning children on the Autistic Spectrum and their parents. The narratives in her upcoming book are drawn from interviews of several young adults and their parents who participated in The Friends Program when they were in elementary school.