Andrew Mendonsa

Hi! I’m Dr. Andrew Mendonsa, a clinical and forensic psychologist licensed in over a dozen states across the U.S. I’ve been working in the mental health field for over 20 years and have extensive experience supporting neurodivergent individuals—particularly autistic teens, adults, and those exploring whether autism may be part of their identity. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, respectful, and strengths-based. I believe autism is not something to be “fixed,” but better understood, honored, and supported.My interest in autism is both professional and personal: I have neurodivergent family and have spent much of my career helping people who mask or camouflage their traits finally feel seen. I understand how overwhelming or invalidating the world can be, especially for those who have gone undiagnosed or misunderstood for years. Whether you’re seeking clarity, self-understanding, or support for anxiety, burnout, or identity exploration, I aim to create a safe and validating space that respects your lived experience.When I’m not working, I enjoy activities that align with many of my clients’ interests—like retro video games, science fiction, trains, building Lego, puzzles, and exploring nature. I bring a calm, nonjudgmental presence to my work, and I genuinely value the unique perspectives of those I serve.

My passion for working with autistic and neurodivergent clients is both personal and professional. I have family on the spectrum, and growing up alongside them helped me see the world through a different lens—one that values depth, honesty, and unique ways of thinking. That early exposure shaped how I view communication, connection, and the importance of honoring individual differences.Over the past two decades as a psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how often neurodivergent individuals are overlooked, misdiagnosed, or asked to change who they are to fit into systems that weren’t built for them. I’m committed to doing things differently. My work focuses on creating safe, validating spaces for autistic adults—whether they’re seeking clarity through assessment, support for anxiety or burnout, or simply a place where they don’t have to mask. It’s a privilege to walk alongside clients as they learn more about themselves, unlearn internalized stigma, and step more confidently into their identities.

My affirming and strengths-based approach is grounded in both lived experience and years of clinical practice. Growing up with an autistic sibling gave me early insight into just how much richness, creativity, and depth exist in neurodivergent ways of thinking—and also how often those strengths go unrecognized by the world. That perspective shaped how I show up as a psychologist: curious, respectful, and committed to understanding each person as they are—not as someone who needs to be “fixed.”I work hard to help clients unlearn messages that taught them to mask, shrink, or doubt themselves. Whether someone is seeking a formal diagnosis or trying to reconnect with their identity, I focus on what's working—not just what’s hard. I view traits often pathologized in autism (like intense focus, deep thinking, or sensitivity to detail) as real assets, especially when supported in the right environment. I aim to create a space where people can feel understood, feel safe enough to unmask, and begin building a life that truly fits them.