About this episode

Dr. Elina Veytsman discusses how to help neurodivergent teens and young adults navigate dating safely and authentically.

We are so happy to have Dr. Elina Veytsman join us for this episode of the show! Dr. Elina Veytsman is a licensed psychologist and the Director of Training at the UCLA PEERS® Clinic, where she leads groups for neurodivergent youth and their caregivers while also training interns, postdocs, and professionals. She earned her Psychology degrees at UCLA and UC Riverside, researching developmental disabilities and transition experiences for youth and parents, and completed her doctoral internship providing therapy, parent training, and diagnostic assessment services. Since joining the UCLA PEERS® Clinic in 2014, she has delivered the PEERS® program in multiple settings and also provides individualized PEERS services through a private practice in Los Angeles. Dr. Elina Veytsman joins us to discuss how we help neurodivergent teens and young adults explore dating in ways that are both safe and authentic to who they are. We unpack the importance of supporting relationship development for neurodivergent youth without removing their agency or individuality, and we start off by unpacking a common misconception - that autistic or neurodivergent youth are not interested in romantic…

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