Dr. Laurie Leventhal-Belfer is a psychologist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder and the author of four books, including the recently released “College on the Autism Spectrum.”

 

Dr. Leventhal-Belfer, known as Dr. Laurie by many children and their parents, earned her BA in Child Development from Tufts University and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to her writing, Dr. Laurie continues her work as a  practicing psychologist and an adjunct lecturer at Stanford University and is a frequent speaker at schools and parent organizations.

 

Early in her practice, Dr. Laurie began working with ASD children and their families. During this time, she became a passionate advocate for taking a developmental approach to understanding children and teens, and the diverse ways they present to their parents, teachers, and professionals.  This approach, which shapes therapy based on context gained from the child’s family, school, and community, offers a more comprehensive approach to managing the challenges of ASD.