Nora Abend-Tepper, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Nora Abend-Tepper, a licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience in school and clinical settings, specializes in supporting autistic and other neurodivergent individuals of all ages and their families. She earned her Psy.D. from Hofstra University and began her career working exclusively in specialized school settings serving students with language and autism spectrum disorders, as well as twice-exceptional (2E) learners. She has extensive experience working with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, twice exceptionality, social-communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, OCD, school refusal, picky eating, failure to launch, and related conditions. She utilizes evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). Dr. Abend-Tepper takes a warm, collaborative, and neuroaffirming approach, helping families understand when neurodivergent needs call for appropriate supports and when anxiety-driven or avoidance behaviors may require reducing accommodations to build greater flexibility.

Dr. Abend-Tepper's perspective is shaped by her work on both sides of the therapeutic and educational process. As a former school psychologist now working in private practice, she understands the goals, demands, and constraints of school systems while recognizing the priorities and concerns of the families she serves. This dual perspective allows her to help families navigate complex educational systems, collaborate effectively with schools and providers, and advocate for meaningful supports while minimizing unnecessary roadblocks. As a parent of two neurodivergent children herself, she also brings personal insight into the complicated balance between providing support and fostering independence. She understands firsthand how difficult it can be to know when to step in to prevent distress or dysregulation and when to step back to give a child the opportunity to discover what they are capable of doing independently. This combination of professional expertise, specialized school-based background, and lived experience allows her to meet families with both clinical expertise and genuine understanding, helping them find a thoughtful balance between advocacy, support, and developing greater independence.