Laura A. Assaf, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist. She has been in practice specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), complex learning disabilities, and associated mood and anxiety disorders, since 2001. Dr. Assaf administers the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition (ADOS-2) as part of her diagnostic battery. She provides consultation and behavioral support for families of children with PANDAS, PANS, and autoimmune encephalopathy.
Dr. Assaf consults with numerous school districts and agencies in New York State and provides independent evaluations and recommendations for treatment planning. She provides training to professionals and parents in educational program development, functional behavioral assessment (FBA), positive behavioral supports, and improving executive functions. In addition, Dr. Assaf is trained as a child specialist in collaborative divorce and provides guidance to families undergoing the transition of divorce.
Dr. Assaf grew up in the Capital District and is a graduate of Guilderland Central High School and Siena College. She has a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology, a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology, and a Doctorate in Psychology from the University at Albany, State University of New York.
Dr. Assaf lives in Guilderland, NY with her sons and dogs. Dr. Assaf and her family are volunteer puppy raisers for Canine Companions (canine.org), a not-for-profit organization that provides service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities, and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings. You will likely meet one of Dr. Assaf’s puppies when you schedule an appointment to see her in the office.