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
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
Dr. Iris Yusupov Rose, MBA, PhD, CPsych
Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist, Co-founder
Meet Domenica
Domenica has worked to provide Occupational Therapy services in several settings including acute inpatient, geriatric inpatient rehab, complex medical care, palliative care, in homes, and community locations. Her clinical experience includes the assessment and treatment of clients from children to older adults, with various cognitive and physical impairments and limitations. She currently also works at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) as an Occupational Therapist working in the area of mental health, with autistic adults and adults with intellectual disabilities in the area of sensory and functional differences. Domenica values a culture of continuous learning in the field of Mental Health. She is a strong believer in life-long learning and professional growth, and continuously strives to provide compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered care as well as neurodivergent- affirming care to all the clients she meets along their journey.
Areas of professional interests: autism, ADHD, anxiety/depression, dementia,Intellectual Disabilities, Education and Learning Disabilities, Sensory differences/ SPD, Emotion Regulation, Executive Functioning, Day-to-day functional goals, Relationship Issues, School and Work Accommodation, Sensory Assessments, Adapted Functional Assessments
Interests: Travelling, board games, going for hikes, being a tea “connoisseur”, self-discovery, searching for the newest series to watch on Netflix
Education & Training:
• Accredited training at CAMH working as an OT with a focus on helping people with neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan
• Mindfulness MBSR with 1-Day Silent Retreat- Imagine Mindfulness
• Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) for Caregivers of People with Developmental Disabilities Level 1 & Level 2 Facilitator Training- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at CAMH
• Fundamentals of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- UofT Faculty of Medicine
• Motivational Interviewing: Level 1 Certification- Dr. Carrie Anne Marshall
• Supervised in the controlled act of Psychotherapy as an Occupational Therapist- CAMH
• MSc in Occupational Therapy- Queen’s University
• Honours BA in Psychology- Toronto Metropolitan University
Domenica Fanelli, BA (Psych), MSc OT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
Meet Briana
Briana Goldberg is a Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School and joins Autism Wellness as a practicum student. She completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at the University of Ottawa and has over five years of experience supporting clients with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem, burnout, perfectionism, and more. Briana has a special interest in assessing and providing psychotherapy for autistic children and adults, as well as those with ADHD, with the goal of supporting their unique needs and promoting overall well-being.
Her approach integrates evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, emotion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and psychodynamic techniques. Briana strives to create a safe, non-judgemental space where clients can build resilience, discover strengths, and achieve meaningful goals. She works collaboratively, empowering individuals to take an active role in therapy while cultivating self-awareness and confidence.
Briana Goldberg, M.A. (Ed)
Psychology Resident
Meet Our Practicum Students
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Sierra Richards
Sierra holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) degree in Human Behaviour from McMaster University and is completing her Master of Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School. She has experience supporting clients with stress, autism, interpersonal relationships, anxiety, depression, family systems, ADHD, work-life balance, and sport-related stressors. Sierra is committed to providing neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care, with a focus on historically marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
Her client-centred approach emphasizes empathy, resilience, and collaboration. Sierra believes clients are the experts of their own lives, and she aims to empower them by offering tools and insights to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Outside of her clinical work, Sierra enjoys women’s sports, especially the WNBA, along with shopping, reading, pilates, and spending time with friends.
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Iulia Niculescu
Iulia is a Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor, training to become a clinical neuropsychologist. She has worked in diverse clinical settings including Baycrest Hospital, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Sunnybrook Hospital, and the Psychological Services Research Centre at the University of Windsor. Through these roles, she has supported adults and older adults with executive functioning challenges, mood and anxiety conditions, trauma, acquired brain injuries, dementia, and more, in both therapy and assessment capacities.
Iulia takes a client-centred and collaborative approach, tailoring evidence-based strategies to each individual’s goals and needs. She strives to provide a warm, supportive, and inclusive therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to address challenges and foster meaningful growth.
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Jia Chen
Jia is a Master of Psychology student at Adler Graduate Professional School with experience in community mental health, complex care, and applied research. She has worked directly with individuals navigating psychiatric needs, providing support through counselling, crisis de-escalation, and resilience-building interventions. Jia is passionate about supporting clients facing autism, ADHD, mood and anxiety challenges, trauma, and emotion regulation difficulties.
Her therapeutic style emphasizes empathy, empowerment, and practical coping strategies. She strives to create a safe and inclusive space where clients feel understood, can strengthen emotional awareness, and work toward their personal goals with confidence.