Karen Wilson, Ph.D.

Karen Wilson, Ph.D., is a pediatric neuropsychologist who specializes in understanding how learning, mental health, and identity intersect in the lives of neurodivergent children and adolescents. With more than two decades of clinical, academic, and research experience, including faculty and training roles at UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, she brings deep expertise in neurodevelopment, executive functioning, and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment across diverse populations.

Dr. Wilson's work is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming, equity-focused approach, with particular emphasis on how social, cultural, and systemic factors shape the identification and support of neurodivergent learners. She is known for helping parents, educators, clinicians, and organizations move beyond surface-level labels to better understand the cognitive and emotional factors that influence behavior, learning, and engagement.

Dr. Wilson previously served as a professor, graduate program coordinator, and department chair at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is a licensed psychologist in California, a registered psychologist in Ontario, Canada, and has served as principal investigator on federally funded neuropsychological research.

As host of the Diverse Thinking · Different Learning podcast and an expert with Understood.org, Dr. Wilson translates complex neuropsychological science into practical, actionable strategies for families and professionals. Across her work, she advocates for environments that recognize neurodivergent strengths, reduce unnecessary barriers, and empower young people to develop agency, resilience, and meaningful pathways to success.