As a late-diagnosed Autistic woman, my largest focus in my work is providing modern assessments for neurodivergence (i.e., Autism and ADHD) to adults who have also “been missed”. I have a strong understanding of the ways Autism and ADHD can present, with careful attention to how this may look different in women and trans/non-binary folks, as well as how intelligence and “masking” skills can make neurodivergence less observable to others. Thus, my assessment process is largely focused on your lived experience and how you think about and understand your world, with observational measures and collateral information being considered additive, not the main source of information.
I provide Autism, ADHD, and Psychoeducational (i.e., to exploring Learning Disorders, Intellectual Disorders, and Giftedness) to children (6+) and adults. These assessments include detailed, personalized reports about which I frequently receive positive feedback regarding the thoroughness and recognition/understanding of the client’s experiences and concerns. These assessments can also be helpful in providing recommendations for accommodations/adaptations at school and work.
The other part of my work is youth therapy where I work primarily with youth (6+) and occasionally with their parents, as needed. I am particularly interested in working with neurodivergent and/or queer youth, viewing work with these populations as an important part of helping with healing in the marginalized communities I am part of. My approach in therapy tends to be collaborative with me working to understand how an individual client is most able to benefit from therapy and building from this rather than setting out to deliver a prescribed, therapy with specific elements and psychoeducation being predetermined. I can also see adults who have recently received a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD for a few sessions focused on incorporating this diagnosis but do not work with adults for therapy beyond this.
Orr, M., & Ali, N. (November 2019). The Importance of Sleep Hygiene. Halifax West High School Mental Health Conference, Halifax, NS. [Oral presentation]. Corkum, P., & Ali, N. (July 2019). Is ADHD a Type of SLD? Similarities and Differences between ADHD and LD and Approaches to Intervention. The 7th Mental Health Academy, Halifax, NS. [Breakout Session]. Ali, N., Rigney, G., Tan-MacNeill, K., Weiss, S. & Corkum, P. (May 2019). Transdiagnostic Sleep Intervention for Children with NDDs. Talk within a Symposium entitled “Building and Evaluation eHealth Programs to Address the Needs of Children and Youth with Insomnia” chaired by Corkum, P. 80th CPA National Convention, Halifax, NS. [Symposium]. Corkum, P., & Ali., N. (October 2018). Sleep in Children with ADHD: Impact and Intervention. Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada’s 10th Annual ADHD Conference, Halifax, NS. [Oral presentation]. Corkum, P., Ali, N., Weiss, S. K., Tan-MacNeil, K., & Rigney, G. (September 2018). Transdiagnostic eHealth Sleep Intervention for Parents of Children with NDD. Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Annual Conference, Halifax, NS. [Research symposium]. Ali, N., Rigney, G., Weiss, S. K., Brown, C. A., Constantin, E., Godbout, R., … Corkum, P. (March 2018). Optimizing an eHealth Insomnia Intervention for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. 16th Annual Crossroads Interdisciplinary Health Research Conference, Halifax, NS. [Poster presentation] Corkum, P., & Ali, N. (February 2018). Sleep in Children with ASD: Impact and Intervention. Autism Nova Scotia, Halifax, NS. [Oral presentation]. Ali, N. (April 2017). Optimizing a Transdiagnostic Sleep Intervention for Insomnia in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs): A Delphi Study. The Better Nights, Better Days Training Program Series, Canada. [Webinar]. Ali, N., Rigney, G., Corkum, P., & the BNBD-NDD Team. (October 2016). Behavioural Interventions with a Sleep Outcome for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review. Dalhousie University Department of Psychiatry 26th Annual Research Day, Halifax, NS. [Poster presentation] Corkum, P., Rigney, G., & Ali, N. (September 2016). Sleep in Children: Challenges and Helpful Tips. Living & Loving Life the Special Needs Way Conference, Halifax, NS. [Oral presentation] Ali, N. (April 2016). Modifying an Online Intervention to Treat Sleep Problems in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs). Psychology and Neuroscience 42nd Annual Graham Goddard In-House Conference, Halifax, NS. [Oral presentation] Ali, N. (April 2016). Modifying an Online Intervention to Treat Sleep Problems in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. 3rd ART-NeuroDevNet Biennial Winter Institute, Banff, AB. [Oral presentation] Ali, N. (April, 2015). Communication in Home Healthcare for Seniors. Acadia University 21st Annual Psychology Honours Thesis Conference, Wolfville, NS. [Oral presentation] Ali, N. (May, 2014). Trends of Alcohol and Sex in Popular Music Lyrics. 38th Annual Science Atlantic Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Fredericton, NB. [Poster presentation] Ali, N. (May, 2013). Is Religiosity Related to Self-Determination? 37th Annual Science Atlantic Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Halifax, NS. [Poster presentation]
Outside of therapy I am a relatively artsy person, enjoying music (i.e., listening and playing), crafting (i.e., paint-by-numbers, cross-stitching), reading (i.e., especially dystopian novels), and gardening (i.e., inside and out, when the weather permits the latter!). I love animals, and especially my senior chihuahua, Harley.
As of October 5th, 2026 our North Sydney clinic will be relocating to Membertou.