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Avery Axel
About
Hello! My name is Avery Axel and I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California and Pennsylvania. I am committed to providing a supportive assessment environment as clients explore a possible autism diagnosis in adulthood. As a clinical psychologist experienced in psychological assessment and differential diagnosis, my primary goal for an evaluation is to help you better understand yourself and your experience, as well as to provide individualized clinical recommendations.
My approach to assessment is rooted in empathy and respect, as well as research- and evidence-based assessment and diagnosis. I am dedicated to providing a neurodiversity-affirming assessment environment.
My primary areas of experience and expertise include adult diagnostic, neurodevelopmental, personality, and cognitive assessment, along with a variety of other areas of psychological assessment. My experience providing assessment and treatment of adults of diverse backgrounds spans inpatient, residential, and outpatient clinical settings.
Through both professional and personal experiences, I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with neurodivergent individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. While every person's experience is unique, one strength I have consistently witnessed is a remarkable capacity to adapt to and persevere through challenges. Witnessing this resilience, often in the face of systems and environments not designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind, motivated me to specialize in supporting autistic adults. I am passionate about helping people access the diagnostic clarity that can come with an assessment, as understanding this part of oneself can reshape how we understand our past, navigate the present, and plan for our future.
I emphasize each client's strengths throughout the assessment process, rather than focusing solely on deficits or challenges, and I ask questions with care and respect. I am intentional about not pathologizing traits associated with autism or other neurodivergent experiences, and I use the language that my clients use to describe themselves and their experiences. I strive to treat every client's experience with dignity and understanding.
