Dr. Siena Whitham

Dr. Siena Whitham, Ph.D.

Hi, I’m Dr. Siena Whitham.

I believe every member of a neurodiverse family has unique needs and deserves support. Being part of a neurodiverse family myself, I have a profound understanding of both the blessings and the challenges that come with different ways of thinking. I’m dedicated to embracing these differences and fostering a strong, positive sense of self in neurodivergent family members, while also acknowledging the impact that difference can have on parents and siblings.

Although there are no simple solutions, my background as a UCLA-trained psychologist—combined with my personal experience as a parent—equips me to help families navigate their unique journeys. My goal is to guide families towards deeper emotional connections, mutual respect, greater understanding, and independence.

I’m a licensed psychologist practicing in California and Michigan, with advanced degrees in Human Development and Psychology from UCLA (M.A. and Ph.D.), and a bachelor's degree with honors in psychology from Scripps College. My training at UCLA included work with the Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART), where I participated in research aimed at reducing anxiety and enhancing the quality of life for autistic individuals.

Over the past decade, I’ve deepened my expertise in working with neurodivergent individuals and their families. I do so by actively listening to autistic voices, engaging with parents of neurodivergent children, and learning from leading experts in the field. I am trained in autism assessments, including the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, and I pursue ongoing education in neurodiversity-affirming practices. This allows me to provide comprehensive and respectful evaluations. To further support my clients, I’m actively pursuing certification in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), an evidence-based approach for treating anxiety and OCD in children, teens, and young adults. Additionally, I’ve gained specialized training in Pathological Demand Avoidance to better address the needs of those I work with.

When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy spending quality time with my young family, catching up with friends, or dreaming about future travels. Our family thrives on routine, so we eagerly look forward to our Wednesday pizza nights and Saturday movie nights, even if we dread the bathtime that precedes these special moments.