About ADL

Led by Eleanor Palser, PhD, we conduct neurodiversity-informed participatory research to help us better understand the unique strengths and vulnerabilities of neurodiverse people. We aim to expand and challenge stigmatizing and unhelpful views of neurodevelopmental conditions, exploring their strengths, differences, and opportunities for support.

The Affective Development Lab strives to address the research priorities of neurodiverse people. Some of our foci are:

Mental Health Needs.

How can we best identify, treat, and prevent distress in neurodiverse people?

Strengths.

What are some of the unique talents, gifts, and passions of neurodiverse people? How can these be leveraged to support a sense of fulfillment, flourishing, and belonging?

The Undoing of Harm.

In what ways do traditional views of neurodevelopmental conditions reflect neurotypical biases, and do their assumptions stand up to rigorous testing? Can we reduce stigma by quashing false assumptions?

Read more about our publications, members, and current research projects.

#ADL.PAU

#NEURODIVERSITY

Leadership

Eleanor Palser, PhD (she/her)

Director/Principal Investigator, ADL

Director, Pediatric Behavioral Health Emphasis

Assistant Profesor

Department of Psychology

Palo Alto University

Read my bio

Lab members

The ADL core research team is comprised of doctoral and master's-level clinical psychology researchers in neuropsychology, pediatric behavioral health, and trauma areas of study.