Autism is our passion
At Autism Wellness, we provide services for individuals across the lifespan living anywhere in Ontario, including Toronto and Ottawa. Our practice is rooted in the neurodiversity-affirming approach to care which recognizes autism as a brain difference. We are ever-evolving to ensure our services reflect and honor the voices of the autistic community and the latest research in the field.
Alex has been working with autistic children, youth and adults for many years in a variety of roles. He currently also works at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) as a Clinical Psychologist supporting autistic people in a variety of ways. He encourages each person he works with to understand their own unique strengths and values in order to support living a meaningful life. He has tools and strategies from a variety of therapy modalities that he uses to personalize his approach for each client.
Areas of professional interests: autism, OCD, Tourette’s, anxiety, parenting strategies for behaviours that may be challenging
Interests: Travelling, board games, video games
Education & Training:
Accredited residency at CAMH with a focus on helping people with neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan.
PhD in Clinical Developmental Psychology - York University
MA in Clinical Psychology- York University
Honours BSc in Psychology- University of Alberta
Meet Alex
Dr. Alex Porthukaran, PhD, CPsych Clinical Psychologist, Co-founder
Meet Iris
Dr. Iris Yusupov Rose, MBA, PhD, CPsych Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist, Co-founder
Iris has over a decade of experience working with autistic individuals in community, clinical, and research settings. As a Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist, she specializes in providing therapy and assessment services for adults and older adults. Iris prioritizes fostering strong connections with her clients and creating a safe environment for collaboration. As a mother, she understands firsthand the challenges of balancing motherhood, work, and wellness. Iris teaches in the Schulich School of Business MBA program and advocates strongly for healthcare equity.
Areas of professional interest: autism, ADHD, anxiety/depression, brain health, dementia, neuro-inclusivity in the workplace
Interests: meditation, yoga, traveling, self-discovery, Netflix documentaries, cooking competitions reality tv
Education & Training:
Accredited residency in Clinical Neuropsychology at Baycrest and Toronto Western Hospital (focus on epilepsy, neurodegenerative disease, cognitive rehabilitation, behavioural consultation)
PhD in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology- York University
MBA and Graduate Diploma in Health Industry Management- Schulich School of Business
MA in Clinical Psychology- York University
Honours BA in Psychology, Specialization in Cognitive Neuropsychology- Glendon College
Welcome to Autism Wellness and thank you for landing here with me. I am an Occupational Therapist (OT) who is licensed and registered to practice OT in Ontario, Canada and who is supervised in the controlled act of psychotherapy as an OT. I value a culture of continuous learning in the field of Mental Health. I obtained my Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University, in Kingston, Ontario in 2020 as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Distinction from TMU in Toronto, Ontario in 2018.
I have provided Occupational Therapy services in several settings including acute inpatient, geriatric inpatient rehab, complex medical care, palliative care, in homes, and community locations. My clinical experience includes the assessment and treatment of clients from children to older adults, with various cognitive and physical impairments and limitations. My most recent experience as an OT is currently working in the area of mental health, with autistic adults and adults with intellectual disabilities in the area of sensory and functional differences.
In addition to my experiences in physical health, I am super passionate about working in mental health, and I continue to pursue professional development courses related to working in mental health and training in psychotherapy. I am a strong believer in life-long learning and professional growth, and I continuously strive to provide compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered care as well as neurodivergent- affirming care to all the clients I see and meet along their journey.
I look forward to connecting and meeting you to learn and grow with you as a part of your journey!
Meet Domenica
Domenica Fanelli, MSc, OT, Reg, (Ont.)
Briana Goldberg is a Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School and is joining the Autism Wellness team as a practicum student. She has previously completed her Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Briana has over five years of experience supporting clients with a range of presenting concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, complex trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem, burnout, perfectionism, and more. Briana has a special interest in assessing and providing psychotherapy services to autistic children and adults and those with ADHD, with the goal of supporting their unique needs and promoting their overall well-being.
With a comprehensive approach that combines evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, emotion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, strength-based practices, and psychodynamic techniques, Briana creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can discover their strengths, confront challenges, and achieve their goals. Through this empowering process, she helps individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves, reframe negative thought patterns, and cultivate a more positive and compassionate sense of identity. By fostering resilience and self-awareness, she equips clients with the tools to navigate life's challenges with confidence and authenticity.
In her collaborative and client-centered approach, Briana empowers individuals to take an active role in their therapy journey. As the expert on your own life, you'll work together with Briana to establish personalized goals, strategies, and solutions that align with your values, aspirations, and unique needs.
Briana strives to create sessions that are non-judgemental, empowering and supportive.
Meet Briana
Briana Goldberg, M.A. (Ed), Psychology Practicum Student