Laurie Stephens, Ph.D.

Laurie Stephens, Ph.D., is a developmental psychologist with more than 30 years of experience working with autistic individuals across therapeutic, educational, and clinical settings. She currently serves as Senior Director of Autism Programs at Help Group, where she oversees a comprehensive portfolio of autism-focused services, including the Young Learners Preschool, Village Glen School's Social Development Classes, and the APA-accredited predoctoral and postdoctoral psychology training programs.

In addition to her leadership role, Dr. Stephens maintains an active psychotherapy caseload, providing neurodivergent-affirming care to autistic individuals across the lifespan. She also provides psychological supervision across Help Group's schools and Lumina Counseling, supporting the development of clinicians and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care.

Dr. Stephens is a recognized expert in autism-specific training and consultation. She provides professional development on topics including neurodiversity-affirming psychological practices, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and effective educational strategies for autistic students. Her consultation work also extends to mental health agencies seeking to strengthen their understanding and treatment of autistic individuals.

Her expertise has been recognized at both the state and international levels. Dr. Stephens served on the California Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism and has consulted on film and television productions to support accurate portrayals of autism. She has trained educators and clinicians internationally, including in England, Ireland, Japan, Finland, and South Korea.

Dr. Stephens earned her B.A. from the University of California, San Diego, and her Ph.D. from SUNY Stony Brook, where she co-founded the Early Diagnosis Center for Autism and was a founding member of The Cody Center for Autism. She has also contributed to professional education by teaching autism-focused coursework for special education teachers through UCLA Extension and work-readiness skills at Exceptional Minds, a post-secondary program for young adults on the autism spectrum.