Dr. Brazendale is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child assessment and therapy. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology, focusing on supporting children with ADHD, diverse learning styles including learning disabilities, giftedness, and Autism.
Dr. Brazendale has a particular interest in understanding and diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder, carefully differentiating it from other neurodevelopmental profiles. Specifically, she is interested in diagnosing high functioning females, as well as those who demonstrate traits of pathological demand avoidance (PDA). She is committed to in-depth assessments, conducted personally in a supportive environment and complemented by school observations. She is also research reliable in the ADOS-2, a tool to help assess for autism. Dr. Brazendale values a comprehensive understanding of each child's unique strengths and abilities throughout the evaluation process. Her diagnostic approach is informed by these evaluations and her experiences, aiming to create a holistic picture. Dr. Brazendale is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying informed about current diagnostic understandings to provide accurate and evidence-informed support. Her neuroaffirming perspective honors the diverse strengths and challenges inherent in various childhood neurodevelopmental profiles.
Dr. Brazendale is also certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), a supportive approach for young children with behavioral differences. However, she takes a flexible approach to this modality, incorporating neuroaffirmative techniques.
​
During her first year practicum at an ADHD assessment and support clinic, Dr. Brazendale developed expertise in collaborative parent training, ADHD evaluation, and various child-centered therapeutic approaches, including executive function skill-building, CBT, and behavioral therapy. Her subsequent practicum experiences included a pediatric hospital setting, an outpatient autism assessment and support clinic, as well as a clinic supporting individuals with complex behavioral support needs. She completed her postdoctoral research at the University of South Carolina, focusing on the role of physical activity in fostering social skills for children with developmental differences, alongside providing assessment and therapy in private practice. She also ran and operated a non-profit sports, social skills, and nutrition summer camp for children with learning differences. She has recently created an assessment tool for autism, that is being piloted across the country.
​
Dr. Brazendale continues her research on the benefits of physical activity for neurodivergent youth. She also served as the Director of Psychology at several clinics since 2016, focusing on assessment, child-centered therapy, and facilitating social skills and executive function groups. Dr. Brazendale is passionate about her work and looks forward to connecting with your family.