A Bit About Me

I am a Clinical Psychologist who works with children, adolescents, adults, and parents. I am a Northern Virginia native who enjoys practicing in the community. I conduct psychoeducational and neurodevelopmental evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults with questions related to neurodivergence, learning differences, cognitive functioning, or mood. I specialize in helping individuals determine if they are autistic or have ADHD. Through the evaluation process, I take time to learn more about my client’s internal experiences to gain an in-depth understanding of how they process information and move through the world. I also conduct brief, focused assessments for adults who would like to determine if they are autistic or have ADHD. My evaluations and recommendations are neurodivergent-affirming and designed to help clients access services at school, work, and in the community.

I am passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals to help clients and their families appreciate the beauty of the neurodivergent experience. I believe the way we speak about neurodivergence is the way clients will ultimately view themselves. This means I use a strength-based approach and do not try to change my clients to make them appear neurotypical. Instead, work with clients to deeply understand their experiences and create an accepting and accommodating environment which allows them to embrace the way their brain works and ultimately, thrive.

I also provide therapeutic services to neurodivergent and neurotypical parents, children, and adolescents. Based on client directed goals, I am flexible in my delivery and tailoring of interventions within a strong Cognitive-Behavioral orientation when working with neurotypical children. With neurodivergent clients, I use a neurodivergent-affirming approach which focuses on the client’s own goals while integrating the discussion of individual passions in our therapeutic work.

Kaitlyn Tiplady, Ph.D.

My Clinical Practice Areas

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Learning Differences
  • Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA)
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Anxiety
  • OCD
  • Depression

My Education, Training & Community Engagement

I earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and human development from Virginia Tech. I then earned a Master’s and Doctoral degree in School Psychology from The University of Florida. I completed an APA accredited internship and fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an additional fellowship at Children’s National Hospital in the Gilbert Family Neurofibromatosis Institute. I have worked in autism assessment centers at three prestigious academic medical centers – the Center for Excellence in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Florida, the Center for Autism at Children’s National Hospital, and the Child Development Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I supervise early career psychologists and enjoy working with individuals in a training capacity.

Where I Practice

I am licensed in the Virginia and provide in-person testing and therapy in our McLean location. I also provide virtual services to clients located in Virginia.