Gwendolyn Barnhart

What drew me to specialize in working with autistic and neurodivergent clients is both deeply personal and professionally affirming. My journey began when my son was diagnosed with autism—an experience that reshaped how I understood support, advocacy, and the importance of truly seeing each individual for who they are. As I navigated systems on his behalf, I began to recognize patterns that mirrored my own lived experience. Eventually, I received my own autism diagnosis, which brought clarity and validation to years of feeling out of sync with conventional expectations.That dual perspective—as both a parent and a neurodivergent psychologist—fuels my commitment to making sure others don’t go missed. I know firsthand how easy it is for autistic individuals, especially those who mask well or fall outside stereotyped profiles, to be overlooked or misunderstood. My work is driven by a desire to change that—to create spaces where neurodivergent clients are not only identified accurately, but supported with respect, nuance, and care that honors their strengths.Specializing in this area allows me to advocate for more inclusive practices, challenge outdated assumptions, and help clients reclaim their narratives. It’s not just professional—it’s personal, and it’s purposeful.

My work is grounded in the belief that every person holds inherent strengths—whether or not those strengths have been recognized, named, or nurtured. I don’t approach therapy as a way to “fix” what’s wrong. Instead, I help clients reckon with their lived experiences, reclaim their narratives, and build upon the capacities that already exist within them. This strength-based lens is especially vital when working with neurodivergent individuals, who are often met with deficit-focused language and systems that overlook their insight, creativity, and resilience.As an autistic psychologist, I bring both clinical expertise and lived experience to my practice. I understand how easy it is to be misread, misunderstood, or missed entirely by systems that weren’t built with neurodivergent people in mind. That’s why I center affirmation, curiosity, and respect in every session. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe enough to show up as they are—and supported enough to grow into who they want to become.I’m also proud to be part of the neurodivergent community and to contribute to a broader movement toward more inclusive, affirming care. My approach integrates humanistic and existential principles — tailored to highlight each client’s values, strengths, and goals.Ultimately, my role is to walk alongside clients as they deepen their self-understanding, strengthen their sense of agency, and move toward lives that feel more authentic, connected, and meaningful.