Debra Reisinger, PhD

I’m a clinical psychologist specializing in diagnostic consultation, psychological evaluation, and individual and group treatment services. I care for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and related disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, intellectual disability and fragile X syndrome.

My passion for children with neurodevelopmental disorders began before graduate school. While working as a research specialist with Dr. Jane Roberts in the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab at the University of South Carolina, I coordinated two research studies that included infants up through young adulthood with autism spectrum disorder and fragile X syndrome. Since then, my career has been dedicated to providing diagnostic and treatment services for neurodevelopmental disorders.

I have trained in various clinical settings, including schools, intensive outpatient clinics, residential facilities and parent training clinics. I’m trained in several evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) and Regulating Together. When working with families, I incorporate all of my skills learned across treatment settings and evidence-based therapies to provide patients and their families with an individualized treatment approach. I am also passionate about educating families on how to best advocate for their child outside of the clinic setting.

I use a family-centered approach to care. I consider each patient and their family's unique situation, needs and perspectives so I can provide culturally sensitive care. All my work is informed by evidence-based behavioral techniques, including CBT, mindfulness, relaxation strategies and parent training. I also use a systems approach as multiple factors can affect each patient, including family, school, support systems and their community.

My research interests mirror my clinical interests and focus on developmental, diagnostic and treatment outcomes in individuals at high genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder. More specifically, I’m interested in integrating behavioral and biological mechanisms (e.g., eye tracking, EEG, heart rate) to characterize diagnostic outcomes and measure treatment progress.

When I’m not working, I enjoy photography, traveling, cooking, spending time with my two dogs and being with family and friends.