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Shana Nichols, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher and has worked in the field of autism spectrum disorders and child development for over fifteen years. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada and completed her internship and post-doctoral training at JFK Partners Center for Autism in Denver, Colorado.

She currently specializes in adolescence and growing up, dual diagnosis and mental health issues, and the experiences of girls with autism spectrum disorders. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she now lives on Long Island, NY and is Clinical Director of the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Her book, entitled Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents Should Know about the Pre-teen and Teenage Years was published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in December 2008. She was a recipient of the Canadian Psychological Association Certificate of Academic Excellence in 2005 Award for her Ph.D. thesis work.

Dr. Nichols’ work with girls and women with ASDs and their families includes conducting diagnostic evaluations, consultation, individual and family therapy, running girls groups, and educating the field about issues facing females with ASDs. She is currently working on her second book, a guide to growing up for teen girls with ASDs.