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Biography
Hello! I am Dr. Whaling, but you can call me Kelly. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Utah and will soon be licensed in additional states. Additionally, I hold a valid PsyPact license which allows me to provide services to clients in 40+ states. I received my doctorate in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and completed a post-doctoral fellowship specializing in providing trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming psychological evaluations. Through my work in inpatient, outpatient, residential, and juvenile justice facilities, I have found a deep passion for working with autistic folks! I am excited to meet you and hear your story.
Education
PhD in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara; Masters in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Northridge
Certifications
Area of Expertise
Since 2013, I have been a clinician working with marginalized groups experiencing the aftermath of trauma, namely suicidality and self-harm. Because of the high rates of adversity that autistic people experience, this naturally led to me working with many autistic folks. Through this work, I realized my favorite experiences were bonding with those on the autism spectrum and supporting them in their self-advocacy journey.
My goal as a psychologist is to help people build a rich, meaningful, and beautiful life that is in line with their values. Authenticity and vulnerability are critical to this goal, and I believe that these traits are contagious. Aiding you in your own strengths-based self-discovery, my hope is that you are able to affirm and celebrate your unique self and empower others around you to do the same.
Modalities
Affiliations
Research and Publications
What Are Signs of Autism in Adults? A Guide to Autistic Traits and Self-Discovery
When you picture someone with autism, there’s a good chance that a child comes to mind. Maybe your nephew or a member of your child’s class is diagnosed, so you’re familiar with some of the behaviors associated with the condition...or at least how they show up in children. But millions of autistic adults exist too, since autism is a distinct neurotype, not something you grow out of.
However, if the condition wasn’t assessed already in childhood, it can be harder to spot as an adult. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in 45 adults is autistic, and even more are likely undiagnosed.
Though there are many shared traits between the age groups, autism can present differently in adults than in children, which is something we'll discuss in depth within this article. But fundamentally, the signs of autism in adults include a range of characteristics like:
- Social interaction and communication differences
- Self-soothing and self-regulatory behaviors
- Sensory and processing differences
- Special interests and activities
- Emotional regulation and cognitive traits
If you suspect you may be autistic, you likely know the journey toward diagnosis isn’t so straightforward. It can be confusing and frustrating! Especially since no two people with autism are the same, and everyone has their own unique combination of strengths and challenges.
On top of that, many adults tend to mask their autistic behaviors to fit in with their neurotypical peers, oftentimes without even realizing it. Plus, thanks to gender and cultural bias and other stereotypes, countless autistic adults are overlooked due to their more subtle presentation of the condition.
That’s why Prosper Health is here to provide you with a clear, inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming breakdown of adult autism signs: what they are, why they’re often missed, and what to do if they resonate.
