Tasha Oswald, PhD
Pronouns (she/her)
Founder & Director of
Neurodiversity Wellness Center
Licensed Psychologist (#30423)
Dr. Tasha Oswald is a neurodiversity-affirming licensed psychologist who identifies as a neurodivergent, white, cisgender female. Passionate about addressing the gap in mental health services for autistic adults and youth, she founded the Neurodiversity Wellness Center, a leading adult autism specialty practice in California. To extend support to autistic individuals globally, Dr. Oswald founded the Neurodiversity Training Institute, which provides mental health professionals worldwide with comprehensive training in neuro-affirming care.
She specializes in working with autistic women, neurodivergent professionals, individuals receiving a late-life autism diagnosis, and twice-exceptional teens and young adults. Dr. Oswald understands that traditional criteria for autism and ADHD often overlook women and marginalized groups, leaving them feeling invalidated, confused, and without proper services. This fuels her dedication to helping those on the periphery gain a sense of belonging, acceptance, and much needed support.
Dr. Oswald’s neurodiversity-affirming approach views autism not as a deficit but as a difference in neurology, integral to one’s identity. She helps clients find coping strategies and accommodations to navigate a world not designed for them. Trained extensively in modalities that are non-shaming and accepting of neuro-differences, she is a Level 3 Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist and integrates polyvagal and person-centered approaches. Having seen the powerful and healing impact of group therapy for autistic clients, group therapy is a cornerstone of her practice.
Dr. Oswald uses a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to help clients reconnect with their innate wisdom about their needs and what works best for themselves. This helps clients embrace their authentic selves. Together, they develop neuro-friendly coping strategies to support well-being, strengthen relationships, and reduce overwhelm and burnout.
Educational and Research Background
With nearly 20 years in the field, Dr. Oswald’s extensive training includes a PhD in psychology with an autism emphasis and an NIH-Funded Autism Research Training Program (ARTP) post-doctoral fellowship at the UC Davis MIND Institute, where she established the ACCESS Program for autistic young adults. Dr. Oswald’s autism research is published in leading journals.
Teaching and Consulting
After Dr. Oswald opened her adult autism specialty practice, individuals from around the world reached out, expressing a dire need for similar services in their areas. She was deeply moved by their stories. Inspired by this need, Dr. Oswald founded the Neurodiversity Training Institute, offering comprehensive training in neuro-affirming care to mental health professionals worldwide. As part of her global efforts to educate clinicians and increase available services, she also developed the Adult Autism Specialty Certification through PESI.
Community Involvement
Dr. Oswald is known for her widely read neurodiversity wellness blog and regular contributions to international media as an authority on autism and neurodiversity. As a sought-after speaker and advocate, she has presented at numerous conferences, universities, community gatherings, and corporate settings, aiming to increase awareness of mental health issues faced by autistic adults. Dr. Oswald is committed to building a more neurodiversity-affirming world.
