About

I know what it’s like to try to force yourself to fit into a non-autistic world. I found out that I’m autistic at age 29, and I understand what it’s like to have doctors, therapists, friends, or family dismiss growing suspicions that I was neurodivergent.

I recognize how stressful or anxiety-provoking this kind of assessment can be: worrying that you’ll forget something you wanted to mention, or wondering whether the clinician you’re meeting with will help you feel safe, heard, and accepted. Between medical trauma and how life-changing I know a late diagnosis can be, well, that’s why I continue choosing to do this work year after year. My goal is to provide a compassionate, safe space where neurodivergent adults can receive an autism assessment that respects their unique experiences.

In my own way, I understand the relief and surreal feeling of embracing an autistic identity after decades of feeling misunderstood and exhausted. And how much grief there can be (for your past self) in finally making this discovery; it’s a complex and unique experience for each person. Just as my journey toward understanding my neurodivergence has shaped me, I’m here to support and guide you through this part of your own unique journey.

Specializing

As an autistic psychologist, I specialize in assessing adults who suspect that they may be autistic. I offer this as a remote service only, to people over 18 who can provide their own consent. My approach is rooted in respect, compassion, and recognizing that you are the expert in your own experience. It’s not my role to be weirdly suspicious or to investigate your claims.

Another significant area of clinical interest for me is the intersection of autism and sexuality. I bring a sex-positive perspective to my work, focused on helping clients navigate sexuality without shame, understanding that for many people, sexual health and identity are key components of self-discovery.

I’ve provided thousands of hours of therapy related to a variety of concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, shame, loss, domestic violence, couples, etc.). That time was edifying and humbling for me, but I no longer try to be a generalist. My clinical focus has been on autistic adults for many years now. I also provide clinical supervision to graduate students, write articles on therapist development, write books, have a podcast, and have to regularly remind myself that “you can do anything, but you can’t do everything.”

My Credentials

Registered Psychologist #4969 in Alberta, which you can verify via CAP’s membership directory by searching my name (iain Dolan)

Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University, 2016

I’m licensed to work with people who are in Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec (though I can only do assessments in English)

I’m the author of Masking in Autistic Adults: A Clinician’s Guide to Neurodiversity-Affirming Care, a Top 10 Psychopathology textbook on Amazon, which has been translated internationally, including a forthcoming Dutch edition.

The Assessment Process

If you’re an adult who suspects you are autistic and you want an assessment, I am here to help guide you through this journey of self-discovery. You don't have to navigate this path alone.

• To Begin: Start the assessment process here.

• Availability: Generally, I do have openings for assessments, but I do not have openings on my clinical caseload for regular psychotherapy. This means I can likely work with you for an assessment but not for therapy afterwards.

• Payment: See here for pricing and payment information.

• Questions: If you have any questions before starting, feel free to send me an email at assessment@ndpsych.com. Consider checking out my podcast to get a better sense of what I’m like.

• Important Note: If you’re considering contacting me on someone else’s behalf (e.g., you think your adult child or your spouse may benefit from an assessment), please first read my FAQ where I explain why this likely indicates that my services are not a good fit for that person.