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Elizabeth McRae
About
Welcome! My name is Elizabeth McRae, PhD. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist based in Birmingham, Alabama. I specialize in autism and neurodevelopmental assessments and have spent much of my career working with autistic individuals, their families, and related support systems through clinical practice, research, and teaching.
I believe that finding a lens through which you can understand yourself and your experiences is one of the most valuable steps you can take toward living authentically and confidently. For many adults, pursuing an autism evaluation is about gaining clarity, validation, and a deeper understanding of a lifetime of experiences. I consider it a privilege to be part of that process.
My approach is warm and collaborative. I strive to create a space where you can share your experiences openly and feel both heard and respected. My goal is that every evaluation provides not only answers but also greater self-awareness and self-compassion. Through this, my goal for your evaluation to offer a roadmap for understanding your needs, leveraging your strengths, and identifying tools and supports that can help you thrive.
My passion for working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals comes from seeing the impact that self-understanding can have on a person's life. Throughout my career, I've worked with many adults who received an autism diagnosis after years of wondering why certain things felt harder for them or why they seemed different from those around them. One of the most meaningful parts of my work is seeing what happens when those experiences finally make sense. I've watched people develop greater self-compassion, recognize strengths they hadn't fully appreciated, and gain the confidence to advocate for their needs and live more authentically. It is a privilege to be part of that journey. My goal is not only to provide answers, but also to help you better understand yourself and identify tools and supports that can help you thrive.
I believe that understanding and embracing our differences is as important as recognizing our challenges. My approach is grounded in the belief that autism and other forms of neurodivergence are not deficits to be fixed but ways of experiencing and interacting with the world that come with both strengths and challenges. During evaluations, I strive to create a welcoming, supportive space where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences without fear of judgment. I take time to understand your unique story, strengths, and goals, and I work to ensure that recommendations build upon those strengths while addressing areas of need. Above all, I want you to leave feeling seen, understood, and empowered. My hope is that the evaluation process helps you gain a deeper appreciation for who you are, develop greater self-compassion, and identify tools and supports that allow you to thrive as your authentic self.
