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James Abiola
About
Hello, I am Dr. James Abiola, affectionately called “Dr. Jay” by many of my clients and colleagues. I’m a licensed psychologist based in Pennsylvania and serve clients across PSYPACT-participating states via telehealth. I am passionate about helping individuals and families gain clarity, understanding, and direction through thoughtful, evidence-based psychological assessment and care.My work is driven by a deep respect for the complexity of human development and the belief that accurate diagnosis can be life-changing. Autism assessments are not just about answering a clinical question, they are about helping people better understand themselves, access appropriate supports, and move forward with confidence.I bring over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families across medical, educational, and community mental health settings. My background includes training and clinical roles at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, Child Guidance Resource Centers, Rider University, Philadelphia Mental Health Center, and Swarthmore College. I have also previously served as Clinical Director of Intensive Behavioral Health Services for multiple Philadelphia mental health agencies.I strive to create a respectful, collaborative assessment process where individuals and families feel heard, supported, and informed every step of the way. My goal is to provide clear, thorough, and meaningful evaluations that translate into practical recommendations for school, work, and daily life.
My interest in specializing with autistic and neurodivergent clients emerged from years of clinical work where I repeatedly saw individuals and families struggle for understanding, support, and clarity in environments that didn’t always recognize or validate their neurocognitive profiles. I came to deeply believe that accurate identification and thoughtful assessment can be transformative i.e. providing relief, dignity, and access to meaningful supports.
My interest in working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals comes from years of seeing how often people are defined by their challenges instead of their strengths. I take a strengths-based, affirming approach focusing first on how each person thinks, learns, and functions well, and then building from there.Earlier in my career, I served as a Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania, working specifically with autistic individuals and families. That experience shaped my commitment to compassionate, practical, and neurodiversity-affirming care.My goal is to help clients feel understood, not judged, and to support them in recognizing their abilities, advocating for their needs, and realizing their full potential.
