Our Newport Beach location is now open. Contact us to learn more!
Now offering targeted autism-specific assessments for adults.

Specialized Support for Neurodivergent Children, Teens & Adults

Providing expertise in autism, ADHD, anxiety, mood‑related challenges, and giftedness/twice-exceptionality (2e)

The Sterling Institute for Autism is a private group practice providing treatment and assessment for neurodivergent children, teens, and adults in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, and all of California. We provide support in-person and via telehealth.

Book a Consultation

Our Services

Additional Services

For Families:



Process Groups



Parenting & Family Support



Behavioral Consultation
& Parent Training

For Providers & the Community:



Peer Consultation



Community Talks



Continuing Education

The Sterling Institute for Autism is now a training site for the UCI Clinical Psychology program

We’re now serving as a practicum training site for psychological testing specializing in autism and neurodiversity. Drs. Sterling and Peterson are mentoring doctoral students while they complete their one-year clinical rotations at The Sterling Institute for Autism.

Learn More

Meet our students

Why The Sterling Institute for Autism?

This isn’t just a trend for us — it’s a mission. Our journey into the world of neurodiversity wasn’t accidental or opportunistic. It’s been a purposeful, heartfelt commitment from day one — starting 30 years ago! We’re not just trained — we’re specialists in neurodiversity.

What Clients & Providers are Saying

"As a clinical psychologist, I regularly refer clients to the Sterling Institute and have consistently had excellent experiences. The staff are professional, responsive, and kind, and scheduling has always been seamless."

– Clinical Psychologist, Orange County, CA

"The way you have explained this — both in terms of my son's strengths and his unique challenges — has helped our family (including his siblings) have better understanding and patience. Thank you!"

– Parent

"Dr. Sterling is an expert clinician with deep expertise in autism. She is neuroaffirming, comprehensive, and very thoughtful about her care. She really sees people and families for their unique selves, and is so validating."

– Clinical Psychologist, Seattle WA

"Finally, someone 'gets' my daughter! We could never put our finger on what was different. Thank you for being so thorough and thoughtful in your approach, and for taking the time to put the pieces together!"

– Parent

"Dr. Sterling and her team excel in both research and practice-based evidence, offering the depth of understanding the community deserves. Without hesitation, I recommend Dr. Sterling & her team!"

– Clinical Psychologist, Orange County, CA

"Dr. Sterling’s insights helped me better understand and support my son, and her guidance provided both clarity and comfort during a time when I felt overwhelmed."

– Parent

"Dr. Sterling, I cannot thank you enough for your expertise, professionalism, kindness, and support through this process. It has meant so much to our family."

– Parent

"No one has put it into words that way and made me feel so understood."

– Client

"Our psychiatrist told us you are the experts; if anyone is going to help us figure this out, it's you!"

– Parent

About Our Practice

A Lifelong Commitment to Neurodiversity

Dr. Lindsey Sterling’s education, training, and experience speak for themselves when it comes to her qualifications in the field of neurodiversity. But when families choose a provider or clinic, they’re not just looking at a resume — they want to know the person behind the care.

Our Founder's Story

Support for families with autistic children & adults

Questions?

Learn more about our practice, what kind of conditions we treat, our therapeutic approach, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Presentations, Publications & Media

Browse Dr. Sterling’s selected publications, presentations, books, and podcast appearances. For more details about her experience, please see her CV.

WPS Continuing Education Course, presented by Dr. Sterling

Unmasking the Lives of Autistic Females: Developmental, Clinical, and Diagnostic Considerations - This course provides an overview of autism in females throughout the life span. It will examine biological and neurological theories accounting for sex differences. The...

Validity of the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale for youth with autism spectrum disorders

High rates of anxiety and depression are reported among youth with autism spectrum disorders. These conditions are generally assessed using measures validated for typically developing youth. Few studies have investigated their validity for autism spectrum disorders,...

Daily living skills in school-age children with and without anxiety disorders

Anxiety may interfere with school-age children’s independent behaviour and hence, their daily living skills (DLS). Nonetheless, this has not been tested in previous studies of children with clinical anxiety. [button...

WPS Continuing Education Course, presented by Dr. Sterling

Unmasking the Lives of Autistic Females: Developmental, Clinical, and Diagnostic Considerations - This course provides an overview of autism in females throughout the life span. It will examine biological and neurological theories accounting for sex differences. The...

Validity of the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale for youth with autism spectrum disorders

High rates of anxiety and depression are reported among youth with autism spectrum disorders. These conditions are generally assessed using measures validated for typically developing youth. Few studies have investigated their validity for autism spectrum disorders,...

Daily living skills in school-age children with and without anxiety disorders

Anxiety may interfere with school-age children’s independent behaviour and hence, their daily living skills (DLS). Nonetheless, this has not been tested in previous studies of children with clinical anxiety. [button...

Evidence for Latent Classes of IQ In Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is currently viewed as a spectrum condition including strikingly different severity levels. IQ is consistently described as one of the primary aspects of the heterogeneity in autism. To investigate the possibility of more than one distinct subtype of autism...

The Social Survival Guide for Teens with Autism Book

Available Now

The Social Survival Guide for Teens on the Autism Spectrum
By Dr. Sterling

Social situations can feel mysterious or tricky to navigate―and if you are on the autism spectrum, they can feel overwhelming. The Social Survival Guide for Teens on the Autism Spectrum unlocks socialization secrets and helps you understand your feelings. Autism books for kids don’t always address teenagers’ needs, but the practical tips and step-by-step guides in this handbook are perfect for ages 12-16.

Order Now

Specialized Support for Neurodivergent Children, Teens & Adults

Providing expertise in autism, ADHD, anxiety, mood‑related challenges, and giftedness/twice-exceptionality (2e)

Our Services

Diagnostic Assessments

Individual Therapy

Medication Management

Social Skills Groups

Additional Services

Process Groups

Parenting & Family Support

Behavioral Consultation& Parent Training

Peer Consultation

Community Talks

Continuing Education

The Sterling Institute for Autism is now a training site for the UCI Clinical Psychology program

Why The Sterling Institute for Autism?

What Clients & Providers are Saying

"As a clinical psychologist, I regularly refer clients to the Sterling Institute and have consistently had excellent experiences. The staff are professional, responsive, and kind, and scheduling has always been seamless."

"The way you have explained this — both in terms of my son's strengths and his unique challenges — has helped our family (including his siblings) have better understanding and patience. Thank you!"

"Dr. Sterling is an expert clinician with deep expertise in autism. She is neuroaffirming, comprehensive, and very thoughtful about her care. She really sees people and families for their unique selves, and is so validating."

"Finally, someone 'gets' my daughter! We could never put our finger on what was different. Thank you for being so thorough and thoughtful in your approach, and for taking the time to put the pieces together!"

"Dr. Sterling and her team excel in both research and practice-based evidence, offering the depth of understanding the community deserves. Without hesitation, I recommend Dr. Sterling & her team!"

"Dr. Sterling’s insights helped me better understand and support my son, and her guidance provided both clarity and comfort during a time when I felt overwhelmed."

"Dr. Sterling, I cannot thank you enough for your expertise, professionalism, kindness, and support through this process. It has meant so much to our family."

"No one has put it into words that way and made me feel so understood."

"Our psychiatrist told us you are the experts; if anyone is going to help us figure this out, it's you!"

About Our Practice

A Lifelong Commitment to Neurodiversity

Questions?

Presentations, Publications & Media

WPS Continuing Education Course, presented by Dr. Sterling

Validity of the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale for youth with autism spectrum disorders

Daily living skills in school-age children with and without anxiety disorders

WPS Continuing Education Course, presented by Dr. Sterling

Validity of the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale for youth with autism spectrum disorders

Daily living skills in school-age children with and without anxiety disorders

Evidence for Latent Classes of IQ In Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Available Now

Behavioral Consultation
& Parent Training