Meet Dr. Elisabeth Thurlow

An expert in the autism field, Dr. Thurlow brings to Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology over 25 years of experience as a clinical psychologist. She is widely sought out for her Gold Standard diagnostic evaluations of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which combine her clinical insight with her admiration and respect for human diversity. She is also certified in evidence-based treatment modalities that work best for people who are on the autism spectrum.

 

Dr. Thurlow views neurodiversity as a natural and valuable expression of humankind. At the same time, she recognizes that being neurodivergent can be challenging, especially when it comes to navigating a world in which neurodivergence is often misunderstood. Dr. Thurlow brings a level of awareness and sensitivity to the unique needs of neurodivergent patients which enriches and elevates Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology’s strengths-based assessment approach.

 

As an undergraduate at UCLA, Dr. Thurlow worked closely with Professor Andrew Comrey, developer of the Comrey Personality Scales (CPS), and this experience sparked her interest in the underlying factors that make up the core of human personality. She then went on to obtain her Master’s and Doctoral degrees at Alliant International University, where she specialized in adult and family clinical psychology and completed an intensive clerkship in psychological assessment and diagnosis. Following her graduate studies, Dr. Thurlow completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship in child neuropsychological assessment at Johns Hopkins Medical School, where she not only honed her diagnostic skills, but also broadened her knowledge of genetics, cognitive functioning, learning, and developmental disorders.

 

Dr. Thurlow’s career has been multifaceted. She has worked in a variety of settings including university clinics, college counseling centers, intensive outpatient programs, and private practice. For seven years, Dr. Thurlow was on staff at the University of Miami’s Autism Spectrum Assessment Clinic (UM-ASAC), which is considered to be a center of excellence for the diagnosis of autism throughout the lifespan. It was during her work at ASAC that she developed an interest in adult presentations of autism, with a particular focus on the diagnosis of adolescent girls and women. Dr. Thurlow has also been an adjunct professor of psychology at both Southern Methodist University and the University of Miami. Furthermore, she has trained and supervised numerous graduate students, which has been one of her most rewarding professional roles. Indeed, Dr. Thurlow believes that shaping new minds and hearts is the most important gift she can offer the next generation of psychologists.

 

Although accurate diagnosis is an important prerequisite to tailoring an effective individualized treatment, Dr. Thurlow believes that no person can be fully understood through diagnosis alone. Moreover, she embraces uniqueness as a gift rather than an encumbrance. After all, as Dr. Seuss sagely put asked, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” At Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology she evaluates individuals who may be showing signs of an underlying neurodevelopmental disorder in an effort to personalize and enhance treatment planning. As both a Certified Autism Specialist and a PEERS Certified Provider, Dr. Thurlow is excited to provide informed, best practice care for our neurodivergent patients.

 

A citizen of three countries, Dr. Thurlow not only brings an international flair to Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology, she is also keenly aware of the delicate balance at the intersection of culture, diagnosis, and treatment. She also enjoys learning and publishing insights about the ever-evolving fields of neuropsychology and neurodiversity. In her free time, she’s an avid reader of detective novels and follower of true crime content in all its forms. She enjoys a brisk walk with her family, a smooth cortadito, and a hot buttered crumpet with marmite. And when her three beloved cats– Cosmo, Mabel, and Gladys– will allow, she indulges in the dulcet tones of Led Zeppelin

~ Dr. Elisabeth C. Thurlow

Licensed Psychologist #PSY31761

Get To Know
Dr. Elisabeth Thurlow

Nuerodiversity Affirming Care

 

An expert in the autism field, Dr. Thurlow brings to Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology over 25 years of experience as a clinical psychologist. She is widely sought out for her Gold Standard diagnostic evaluations of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which combine her clinical insight with her admiration and respect for human diversity. She is also certified in evidence-based treatment modalities that work best for people who are on the autism spectrum.

 

Dr. Thurlow views neurodiversity as a natural and valuable expression of humankind. At the same time, she recognizes that being neurodivergent can be challenging, especially when it comes to navigating a world in which neurodivergence is often misunderstood. Dr. Thurlow brings a level of awareness and sensitivity to the unique needs of neurodivergent patients which enriches and elevates Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology’s strengths-based assessment approach.

 

As an undergraduate at UCLA, Dr. Thurlow worked closely with Professor Andrew Comrey, developer of the Comrey Personality Scales (CPS), and this experience sparked her interest in the underlying factors that make up the core of human personality. She then went on to obtain her Master’s and Doctoral degrees at Alliant International University, where she specialized in adult and family clinical psychology and completed an intensive clerkship in psychological assessment and diagnosis. Following her graduate studies, Dr. Thurlow completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship in child neuropsychological assessment at Johns Hopkins Medical School, where she not only honed her diagnostic skills, but also broadened her knowledge of genetics, cognitive functioning, learning, and developmental disorders.

 

Dr. Thurlow’s career has been multifaceted. She has worked in a variety of settings including university clinics, college counseling centers, intensive outpatient programs, and private practice. For seven years, Dr. Thurlow was on staff at the University of Miami’s Autism Spectrum Assessment Clinic (UM-ASAC), which is considered to be a center of excellence for the diagnosis of autism throughout the lifespan. It was during her work at ASAC that she developed an interest in adult presentations of autism, with a particular focus on the diagnosis of adolescent girls and women. Dr. Thurlow has also been an adjunct professor of psychology at both Southern Methodist University and the University of Miami. Furthermore, she has trained and supervised numerous graduate students, which has been one of her most rewarding professional roles. Indeed, Dr. Thurlow believes that shaping new minds and hearts is the most important gift she can offer the next generation of psychologists.

 

Although accurate diagnosis is an important prerequisite to tailoring an effective individualized treatment, Dr. Thurlow believes that no person can be fully understood through diagnosis alone. Moreover, she embraces uniqueness as a gift rather than an encumbrance. After all, as Dr. Seuss sagely put asked, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” At Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology she evaluates individuals who may be showing signs of an underlying neurodevelopmental disorder in an effort to personalize and enhance treatment planning. As both a Certified Autism Specialist and a PEERS Certified Provider, Dr. Thurlow is excited to provide informed, best practice care for our neurodivergent patients.

 

A citizen of three countries, Dr. Thurlow not only brings an international flair to Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology, she is also keenly aware of the delicate balance at the intersection of culture, diagnosis, and treatment. She also enjoys learning and publishing insights about the ever-evolving fields of neuropsychology and neurodiversity. In her free time, she’s an avid reader of detective novels and follower of true crime content in all its forms. She enjoys a brisk walk with her family, a smooth cortadito, and a hot buttered crumpet with marmite. And when her three beloved cats– Cosmo, Mabel, and Gladys– will allow, she indulges in the dulcet tones of Led Zeppelin

~ Dr. Elisabeth C. Thurlow

Licensed Psychologist #PSY31761

Testimonials

Dr. Cheryl Arutt, PsyD, Clinical & Forensic Psychologist

"I have known Dr. Thurlow for 25 years and give her my highest recommendation! She is that special kind of expert who really listens, combining her deep knowledge and experience as a neuropsychologist with her compassion as a human/parent/friend to illuminate ways to really support and deeply understand young people whose brains work differently. Her evaluations improve lives, and I always know those I refer to Dr. Thurlow will be in excellent hands."

Dr. Mandy Moradi, Clinical Consultant Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center

"I have collaborated with Dr. Thurlow in various capacities over the years. She is an exceptionally bright psychologist who is committed to the wellbeing of our neurodivergent community. There is wide variability when it comes to evaluation quality, and finding a professional who offers best practice evaluations using gold-standard measures can be challenging. Dr. Thurlow offers the kind of sensitive, thorough, and evidence-based assessments that I trust. I recommend Dr. Thurlow without hesitation."

Dr. Jesse Olague, Child Psychologist, Del Mar

"Dr. Thurlow is without a doubt the best diagnostician in San Diego. Not only does she have the experience and high-level skills to understand even the most complex cases, she is also incredibly compassionate and kind. Families and professionals alike love working with her. I trust her clinical judgment without reservation."

David Teitelman, parent of a neurodivergent child.

"Dr. Thurlow is a spectacular psychologist/diagnostician. I can attest to her expertise in the areas of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and Neuro divergence. Dr. Thurlow was able to determine significant flaws in a previous evaluation of my neurodivergent child. With her help, we were finally able to obtain an accurate diagnosis after many years of struggle.

Dr. Thurlow's consultation, compassion, and support in obtaining an accurate diagnosis has truly been life-changing for our family."

888 Prospect Street, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037