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Bob Connolly

California
Arizona
Psychologist
Manage Medications:
Practice at a Glance
SPECIALTIES
Autism +
STYLE
Straight-Forward
Encouraging
Flexible
Expressive

About

I am a psychologist who enjoys working with adults who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the ways they experience the world. One of the areas I find particularly meaningful is working with adults who are wondering whether they may be autistic and helping them navigate the diagnostic assessment process with curiosity, respect, and compassion.As someone who identifies as neurodivergent myself, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to this work. I recognize that discovering that you may be neurodivergent can bring a mixture of questions, relief, uncertainty, and even a new way of understanding your life experiences.My approach to assessment goes beyond simply determining whether someone meets diagnostic criteria. I believe a thoughtful assessment can be an opportunity for adults to make sense of their experiences, recognize their strengths and challenges, and develop a more compassionate understanding of who they are. My goal is to help people leave the assessment process with greater clarity—not simply a diagnosis, but a deeper understanding of themselves and how they navigate the world.

Education & Licensure
PsyD from Alliant International University, Los Angeles, California; Bachelor's in Psychology from Pitzer College, Claremont, California
Treatment Approach
What motivated you to specialize in working with autistic adults?

My interest in specializing in work with autistic and neurodivergent adults is deeply personal. My own experience with the assessment process was a positive and meaningful one. Having the opportunity to explore my own experiences through the lens of neurodivergence gave me a greater understanding of myself and helped me make sense of aspects of my life that I had not always understood.That experience showed me how powerful a thoughtful diagnostic assessment can be. For me, the assessment was not simply about receiving a diagnosis. It was an opportunity to look back at my experiences with a new perspective, recognize patterns, better understand my strengths and challenges, and develop greater self-compassion.I wanted to bring that same experience to others. Many adults come to assessment after years of wondering why certain things have felt different or more difficult for them, or after recognizing themselves in descriptions of autism and neurodivergence later in life. I find it incredibly meaningful to help people explore those questions in a supportive and respectful environment.My goal is for the assessment process to be more than a deter

How do you bring a strengths-based, affirming approach to your client work?

I bring an affirming and strength-based approach to my work by beginning with the belief that every individual has unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of experiencing the world. Rather than focusing primarily on challenges or on what someone may need to change, I am interested in understanding who each person is, what they do well, and what has helped them navigate life successfully.

Practice at a Glance
SPECIALTIES
Autism +
STYLE
Straight-Forward
Encouraging
Flexible
Expressive
Bob Connolly
California
Arizona
Psychologist