I am an Asperger’s psychologist in San Francisco and I conduct assessments of adults who suspect they are autistic or identify with Asperger’s syndrome. I also provide therapy for adults with these conditions.
My extensive experience working with adults who have Asperger’s Syndrome allows me to effectively diagnose and treat this condition.
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Struggle to understand other people’s feelings and have difficulty expressing their own emotions
Have trouble interpreting body language and avoid making eye contact
You struggle to read unspoken rules or navigate workplace politics
Are uncomfortable or nervous in social situations and have a hard time making friends
Use unusual tones in their speech patterns
Can be clumsy and awkward; make repetitive movements and gestures
Have narrow and obsessive interests and talk mostly about these interests
Adopt strict rituals, such as rigid morning or bedtime routines
“With appropriate services and support, people with Asperger’s Syndrome can make progress in managing or overcoming these challenges and can learn to emphasize their strengths.” – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The DSM-5, published in 2013, eliminated Asperger’s syndrome as a separate diagnosis and now uses the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for all autism-related conditions. However, many adults—particularly those diagnosed before 2013—continue to identify with the term “Asperger’s” because it accurately describes their lived experience. In my practice, I honor your preferred language and identity, whether you say Asperger’s, autistic, or on the spectrum. Learn more about the difference between Asperger’s and Autism on my dedicated page:
Asperger’s Syndrome is one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In recent years, ASD has been on the rise; more people are receiving treatment now than ever before.
Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Adults with Asperger’s syndrome may have difficulty with social interactions, exhibit restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests, and may be overly reliant on routines.
Asperger’s Syndrome is not yet thoroughly understood, and research on the cause of Asperger’s as well as effective treatments is still in its infancy. However, people with Asperger’s Syndrome can learn to engage in social interactions and overcome the challenges that Asperger’s presents.
Adults with Asperger’s syndrome often have difficulty with social interactions and may struggle to understand nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. They may also have difficulty with communication, including understanding sarcasm, irony, and figurative language.
In addition to social and communication difficulties, adults with Asperger’s syndrome may exhibit restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. They may have intense interests in specific topics and may become highly knowledgeable in these areas. They may also be overly reliant on routines and may become upset if their routines are disrupted.
Many adults seek an Asperger’s assessment after years of feeling “different” without understanding why. They may have been misdiagnosed with social anxiety, depression, or ADHD, or told they were simply “shy” or “quirky.” A formal diagnosis can provide clarity, validation, and access to appropriate support and accommodations.
If you suspect that you may have Asperger’s syndrome, it is important to seek a professional assessment. A comprehensive assessment can help determine whether you meet the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, including the profile historically known as Asperger’s syndrome.
During an assessment, I will conduct a thorough evaluation of your developmental history, current symptoms, and any other relevant factors. This may include interviews with you and your family members, as well as standardized assessments and questionnaires.
The evaluation process typically involves the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), a clinical interview covering your developmental history and current challenges, and screening for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I provide a detailed written report with diagnostic findings, clinical recommendations, and resources for ongoing support.
In addition to assessments, I also provide therapy for adults who suspect they have Autism Spectrum Disorder, including what has historically been called Asperger’s syndrome or high-functioning autism. Therapy can help individuals with Asperger’s syndrome to develop coping strategies, improve their social skills, and manage any co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The symptoms and severity of Asperger’s Syndrome vary widely. Since there is no single approach to treatment that works for all cases, therapy is most successful when it is tailored to each individual.
My therapeutic approach is neurodiversity-affirming and strength-based. I work with adults on navigating relationships and social communication, reducing masking and preventing autistic burnout, managing sensory sensitivities and executive function challenges, and building self-advocacy skills. Therapy is not about changing who you are—it’s about living authentically while managing the challenges of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world.
As an Asperger’s psychologist, I assess and diagnose Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I also treat adults with Asperger’s and ASD in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. In addition, families, organizations and agencies contract with me to ensure that proper services are provided to adults with Asperger’s.
My goal as an Asperger’s psychologist is to ensure a comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis so I can formulate an effective, personalized treatment plan, including therapy that is matched to each individual.
My mission is to help adults overcome the challenges that Asperger’s Syndrome presents while offering support and guidance to families and organizations, if the need arises. When we work together, Asperger’s and similar conditions can be successfully managed. People with Asperger’s Syndrome and their loved ones can learn to thrive.
To schedule an initial consultation with Asperger’s psychologist Dr. Kenneth Roberson, please call 415-922-1122 or use the contact form.
A professional assessment can provide clarity, validation, and access to support. My evaluations include:
• Clinical interview and developmental history
• Standardized autism assessments (ADOS-2, ADI-R when appropriate)
• Cognitive and sensory processing evaluation
• Detailed written report with diagnosis and recommendations
Many adults seek assessment after years of feeling misunderstood. A formal diagnosis can be life-changing.
Therapy focuses on practical support for relationships, communication, sensory overload, executive functioning, burnout prevention, and self-advocacy.
I work with adults on:
• Navigating relationships and communication
• Managing sensory overload and executive function
• Reducing masking and preventing autistic burnout
• Building self-advocacy and confidence
Sessions: $250 per session. Telehealth available statewide.
Serving clients throughout California via secure video sessions
PhD, licensed in California with 30+ years of experience
Based in San Francisco, available to all California residents
A: An Asperger’s or autism assessment uses specialized tools (like the ADOS-2) and focuses on social communication, sensory processing, and restricted interests — areas often missed in standard evaluations.
A: Yes. Many adults are diagnosed later in life after years of masking or being misdiagnosed. The DSM-5 term is “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” but many identify with “Asperger’s.”
A: Yes. I provide both diagnostic assessments and ongoing therapy for adults with Asperger’s or autism.
A: For most adults with Asperger’s, telehealth is equally effective — and often more comfortable, as it allows you to be in your own sensory-friendly environment.