Autism Expert Witnesses
Autism expert witnesses and consultants listed here may be able to form expert opinions, draft expert witness reports, provide expert witness testimony at deposition and/or trial as or serve as consulting (non-testifying) experts on autism. The autism expert witness listings on this page are typically from fields/areas of expertise such as: Adoption, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brain Injury Medicine, Developmental Disabilities, Education & Schools, Forensic Psychology, Legal Nurse Consulting, Life Care Planning, Mental Health, Neurology, Neuropsychiatry, Neuropsychology, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Psychiatry, and Pediatrics.
Adam Bruno, PsyD, LMFT, LEP
Psychology and Education Expert Witness
SHERMAN OAKS, California
Psychology, Education & Schools
-
Autism, PTSD, ADHD, Assistive Technology, IEP, Individualized Education Plan, Due Process, Special Education, Psychoeducational Assessment, Neurodivergence, Abuse, Trauma
Dr. Adam Bruno is a licensed educational psychologist and a licensed marriage and family therapist. He has been working in the mental health field since 2006. Dr. Bruno specializes in the evaluation and treatment of both children and adults with autism, ADHD, trauma, intellectual disability, and other psychological disorders. Dr. Bruno currently has a private practice in Los Angeles where he provides services to children and adults online and in his office. He also provides services to children in schools.
Dr. Bruno has given multiple trainings on disabilities, the IEP process, and provision of services to both providers and parents of children with disabilities. He is currently on the advisory board at Special Needs Network.
Sheryll M. Casuga, Psy.D.
San Francisco, California
Psychology, Forensic Psychology
-
Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, Intelligence Testing, Adaptive Functioning, Competency to Stand Trial, Diagnostics, Psychological Assessments, Child/ Adult Testing
Dr. Sheryll Casuga is a California-Licensed Clinical Psychologist who serves an an autism and developmental disability expert. She has been in the field of autism since 2008. Dr. Casuga specializes in the evaluation of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, and other neuro-developmental disorders. Dr. Casuga is currently working at the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) in California for the past 10 years. She previously worked at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, California and the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). Dr. Casuga received her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, California in 2011.
Dr. Casuga has performed over 1000 diagnostic evaluations on autism and intellectual disability, and has reviewed over 3000 developmental disability cases. Dr. Casuga has been serving as the forensic psychology specialist for RCEB's Forensic Review Team since 2015 and has pe...
Dana Chidekel, PhD, ABN, ABPdN
Calabasas, California
Neuropsychology, Psychology
-
Special Education, Pediatric Neuropsychology, Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, Birth Injury, Undue Influence, Hypoxia, HIE, Capacity, Probate, Post-Death, Disability, Medical Malpractice, Neurodevelopmental, Learning Disability, Autism, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Emotional Distress
Dr. Chidekel is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology. She has been certified by the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology since 2001. She is also a fellow of the American College of Professional Neuropsychology. She has been certified by the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology since 2006.
Dr. Chidekel currently maintains a private clinical practice of neuropsychological assessment of children and adults in Southern California. She is known for her ability to present complex ideas in simple terms, so they are accessible and interesting (really, fascinating) to everyone. The findings of an evaluation come to life as part of the larger story of the examinee's life and circumstances.
Dr. Chidekel serves as a consultant and expert witness in personal injury, elder law, probate litigation (including post-death determination of capacity and/or influence), employment, business, class action, disability determination, special education, and (...
Kerry A. Hannifin, Psy.D.
Expedient Medicolegal Services
Patton, California
Forensic Psychology, Psychology
-
Correctional Mental Health, Institutional Adult and Juvenile Inpatient Care, Pediatric Mental Disability, Autism, Developmental Disorders, Standard of Care, Traumatic Injury, Risk Assessment, Malingering, Chronic Pain, Emotional Distress, Cognitive and Functional Capacity
Kerry A. Hannifin, Psy.D. in a licensed forensic and clinical psychologist. Dr. Hannifin is currently a Senior Psychologist Supervisor with the Department of State Hospitals - Patton, where she has been employed for 15 years. In her role at DSH-Patton, Dr. Hannifin oversees the PC 1370, Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST), division of the hospital’s Forensic Evaluation Department, the largest forensic department in the nation. Dr. Hannifin developed and implemented the IST forensic program at DSH-Patton, the first to be fully implemented within the Department of State Hospitals. Dr. Hannifin has extensive forensic experience and has provided expert testimony on various forensic matters. Dr. Hannifin frequently provides forensic trainings, presentations, and consultation.
In addition to her work at DSH-Patton, Dr. Hannifin has a forensic private practice. In her practice, Dr. Hannifin serves as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) and has worked with the Department of Industrial Relatio...
ANDREA D LORANT, MA
EDUCATION CONSULTANT/SPECIAL EDUCATION
WEST HILLS, California
Education & Schools
-
CHILD CUSTODY, SPECIAL EDUCATION, ADA, INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, REGIONAL CENTERS, EARLY INTERVENTION, RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENTS, LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSITION SERVICES, ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION, PROGRAM/SERVICES EVALUATIONS, SPECIAL EDUCATION ELIGIBILITY, AUTISM
22 YEARS AS A CONFERENCE PRESENTER ON DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL EDUCATION TOPICS
Kimberly M. Miller, PhD, ABPP-CN
Healthy Mind Sacramento Psychological Services Inc.
Sacramento, California
Neuropsychology, Forensic Psychology
-
traumatic brain injury (TBI), post concussion syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), independent medical evaluations (IMEs), autism, developmental delay, child and adult neuropsychological assessment
Dr. Kimberly Miller, PhD, ABPP-CN is board-certified in clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. She serves as Associate Clinical Professor (Volunteer) at University of California at Davis School of Medicine and previously was Assistant Clinical Professor at University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Miller is a consulting neuropsychologist to the California Board of Psychology and to Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California.
Dr. Miller specializes in neuropsychological evaluation in traumatic brain injury (TBI)/ post concussion syndrome cases and in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She has further expertise in autism, developmental disorders, working with both children and adults.
Dr. Miller earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of California at Berkeley and her master's and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology specialization from University of...
June Y Paltzer, PhD, ABPP-CN (ABCN)
San Francisco, California
Neuropsychology, Pediatric Neurology
-
TBI, traumatic brain injury, concussion, dementia, autism, ADHD, PTSD, records review, independent medical examination, IME, forensic psychology
Dr. June Paltzer is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist (adult and pediatric neuropsychology by ABPP/ABCN). Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behavior relationship relating to test and everyday performance derived from brain functioning. She specializes in the assessment and diagnosis of neuropsychological issues (e.g., Concussion, traumatic brain injury, dementia, PTSD, ADHD, autism). Dr. Paltzer is an Associate Clinical Professor in Neurology at the UC Davis School of Medicine. She has presented at national neuropsychology and medical conferences. Additionally, Dr. Paltzer is a native speaker of Mandarin Chinese and has the highest/university level certification in Chinese (listening, speaking, reading and writing). She can assist with reviewing other experts’ reports in English or Chinese including the experts’ language proficiency in Chinese. She has been retained as a forensic expert by legal professionals from all over the United States and internationally (Chi...
Rhonda S. Renteria, RN, BSN, CLNC, CLCP
Quality Life Care Plans, Inc.
Brea, California
Life Care Planning, Legal Nurse Consulting
-
Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Wrongful Life, Worker's Compensation, TBI, SCI, Birth Injury, Catastrophic Injury/Illness, Neonatal, Pediatrics, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Developmental Delay, Transplant, Geriatrics, Case Management, Wound Care, Amputation, Orthopedics
Rhonda has 34 years experience as a licensed Registered Nurse, is a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and a Certified Life Care Planner, with a myriad of experience as a nurse, as well as an expert. Rhonda provides consultative and expert witness and testimony services, nationally and internationally, for life care planning, future needs assessment and rebuttals for Plaintiff and Defense cases. Volunteering as a Registered Nurse with the American Red Cross of Orange County Disaster Health Services, is a monthly commitment to provide Rhonda the ability to give back to the community, in addition to forensic work. Teri Weingarten is Rhonda's administrative assistant at Quality Life Care Plans, Inc. and can reached at [email protected], 714-777-3332.
Brian Wong, MD
Child Neurology
Child Neurology Consulting Services
Los Angeles, California
Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Disabilities
-
Child Neurology, Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, HIE, brain injury, perinatal/birth asphyxia, concussion, headache, seizures, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism, ADHD
Dr. Brian Wong is a Board Certified Child Neurologist. He maintains an active full-time medical practice in a large private practice setting. He previously has served as Medical Director at Cortica, a multi-disciplinary clinic for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. He completed his post-graduate training at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and medical school training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Jonathan D Gross, Psy.D.
expert in acquired brain injuries including TBI
Behavioral Health of North Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Florida
Neuropsychology, Brain Injury Medicine
-
Brain Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, Neuropsychology, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, Fitness for Duty, Malingering, Competency to Stand Trial, Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, Psychology, Military Mental Health, Developmental Disorder, Disability, Intellectual Impairment, Autism
Dr. Jonathan Gross is a fellowship-trained neuropsychologist and licensed psychologist with extensive experience in the fields of neuropsychology, neuropsychological rehabilitation, and psychological assessment. He has trained at various centers of excellence including Emory University, the Mount Sinai Medical Center, and Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Gross holds expertise in the evaluation of traumatic brain injury and other neuromedical conditions including dementia, stroke, and developmental disorders (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual impairment). He devoted ten years of practice serving US Veterans through the VA community provider system where he evaluated and treated veterans for traumatic brain injury, dementia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and associated conditions. Dr. Gross employs a comprehensive and in-depth approach to assessment which allows him to identify a diverse range of factors that contribute to symptoms including effects of brain trauma...
Suzanne Hagler
South Florida Headache MD
Hollywood, Florida
Pediatric Neurology, Neurology
-
Headache, Concussion, Autism, Migraine, Traumatic Brain Injury, ADHD, Head Pain, Head Injury, Pain, Post-concussive syndrome
I am a Pediatric Neurology, with a specialty in Headache Medicine. I am trained to see both pediatric and adult patients. The bulk of my practice is dedication to pediatric and young adult patients with headache disorders, often chronic and sometimes refractory pain disorders. As headache is a prominent symptom in concussions I have a lot of experience in concussion as well. I do also see patients for autism and ADHD in my practice.
Brandon Korman, PsyD, PhD, ABPP
Board Certified Neuropsychologist
Hollywood, Florida
Neuropsychology, Mental Health
-
Pediatric, Neuropsychology, Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, Concussion, Stroke, Epilepsy, Prenatal Injury, Birth Injury, Teratogenic, Hypoxia, HIE, Developmental Disorder, Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorder, Childhood Dementia, Near Drowning, Memory, Attention
Double-boarded in Clinical Neuropsychology and Pediatric Neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. I have also been certified as a Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America.
Employed by Nicklaus Children's Hospital for the past 16 years, where I work very closely with neurology and neurosurgical colleagues. Formerly "Miami Children's Hospital", we are the largest dedicated pediatric hospital system in the state. Clinical cases range from frank acquired brain injury to more subtle gestational or birth injuries. Most referrals have complex medical and psychiatric presentations, typically with multiple underlying etiologies. Training and experience spans from infancy to geriatrics, with patients seen from infancy through young adulthood.
Expert witness for both plaintiff and defense: Independent Neuropsychological Evaluations /"CME's", record reviews, and consultation services. Forensic neuropsychology evaluations in the tri-co...
Elizabeth A Lambeth, RN, BSN , MS
Louisiana Care Partners, LLC
Lafayette , Louisiana
Pediatrics, Psychology
-
Mental Health, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Trauma, Child Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Counseling, Birth Injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury
Lee E Wachtel, MD
Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland
Pediatric Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry
-
autism, intellectual disability, aggression, self-injurious behavior, challenging behaviors, psychopharmacology, behavioral interventions, catatonia, electroconvulsive therapy, restraint and seclusion, residential treatment
I have worked for the past 17 years managing an inpatient hospital unit dedicated to the care of children, adolescents and young adults with autism and other forms of neurodevelopmental disability who present with comorbid psychiatric and behavioral pathology. I have extensive experience in the psychopharmacological and behavioral management of such youth, as well as the myriad complementary interventions and services they may require. I am very familiar with the standard of care for such individuals in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including usage of restraint and seclusion, as well as issues related to school and residential placements.
I have additional expertise in pediatric catatonia, and the usage of electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of childhood mood, psychotic and catatonic disorders.
I have provided expert witness services over the past 8 years in a variety of cases involving best clinical and educational practices, psychopharmacology, restraint and s...
Lisa Prock, MD, MPH
Boston Children's Hospital
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Developmental Disabilities, Adoption
-
Adoption, Foster Care, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Autism, ADHD, Prenatal Toxin/Substance Exposure, Trauma, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities
Lisa Albers Prock, MD, MPH is a Board Certified Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and Director of the Developmental Medicine Center at Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School as well as research experience. She has received awards for teaching and has extensive history of local and national teaching and leadership roles.
Positions include: Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School; Director, Adoption Program, and Associate Medical Director, Developmental Medicine Center, Boston Children's Hospital; former Chairperson, Section on Adoption and Foster Care and current Executive Council Member, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); co-author, Adoption Manual of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Clinical Director, Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital.
Her clinical practice includes extensive documentation review and frequent provision of 2nd/3rd/4th opinion.
She has a history of providing consultation for both plaintiff and defense cases.
Rachel Avner Torrance, M.Ed., BCBA, COBA
Autism, Disabilities, Behavior & Special Education
Behavioral and Educational Expert Services, LLC
SOLON, Ohio
Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral and Social Sciences
-
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), School Law, Developmental Disabilities, Autism, Assessment Intervention, Nonverbal, Drowning Injury Abuse, Self-Injury Tantrum, Supervision, Co-Morbidity, Intellectual Disabilities, ADHD, Multiple Disabilities, Complex Medical Needs, Training, Special Needs
Rachel Torrance, M.Ed., BCBA, COBA, has worked in the developmental disabilities (DD) field since 1998. Current license/certification includes Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA), and licensure in the state of Ohio as an Intervention Specialist (Special Education Teacher) with mild/moderate and moderate/intensive endorsements. Rachel regularly trains parents and professionals in districts and agencies. She has presented at the national, state, and international levels and written publications for various organizations. Rachel has served clients not only throughout the U.S. but also worldwide.
In 2013, working as a behavioral specialist for a local DD agency, Rachel was part of a team that started developing sensory-friendly performances with local theater groups in Cleveland, Ohio. At the time, this was an innovative idea and was the first in their area. Rachel has been a member of the Board of Directors of Milestones Autism Resources s...
Adiaha Spinks-Franklin, MD, MPH, FAAP
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
DBP Doc, PLLC, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric Education, Consultation, & Training
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Pediatrics, Developmental Disabilities
-
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, developmental delay, special education school services, premature infants, adoption, foster care, child trauma, racism, bullying, autism, intellectual disability, genetic disorders, learning problems, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, behavior problems
I am a board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician with 20 years of experience and expertise in developmental delays, developmental disabilites, behavioral health conditions, child trauma and adversity, racism, adoption and foster care.
Cheryl D. Tierney, MD, MPH
Penn State Children's Hospital
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Developmental Disabilities
-
autism, cognitive disabilities, learning disorders, trauma, ADHD, speech disorders, sleep disorders of childhood
Cheryl is a distinguished, board-certified developmental pediatrician with an extensive career spanning over 20 years, specializing in developmental and behavioral issues affecting children and adolescents. Currently holding the esteemed position of Professor of Pediatrics at Penn State Children's Hospital (PSCH) within the Division of Developmental Medicine, Cheryl's educational background is rooted in excellence, having graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine and obtained her MPH in Child and Maternal Health and Advocacy from Harvard School of Public Health. Cheryl's professional journey includes a Fellowship in Behavior and Developmental Pediatrics and General Academic Pediatrics Combined Fellowship at Children's Hospital Boston.
Cheryl possesses a multifaceted clinical expertise, encompassing not only developmental and behavioral pediatrics but also the intricate domains of ADHD, autism, sleep disorders and childhood apraxia of speech. Beyond her clinical role, Chery...
Adiaha Spinks-Franklin, MD, MPH, FAAP
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
DBP Doc, PLLC, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric Education, Consultation, & Training
Texas
Pediatrics, Developmental Disabilities
-
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, developmental delay, special education school services, premature infants, adoption, foster care, child trauma, racism, bullying, autism, intellectual disability, genetic disorders, learning problems, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, behavior problems
I am a board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician with 20 years of experience and expertise in developmental delays, developmental disabilites, behavioral health conditions, child trauma and adversity, racism, adoption and foster care.
