Joseph R. McAllister, Jr., Ph.D.

Dr. McAllister has been working with individuals with autism for more than 40 years.

He was responsible for starting the Autism Center at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

and was a co-founder of the Advisory Board On Autism and Related Disorders. He

originated the Psychological Services Department at the Watson Institute and

oversaw its operations. Dr. McAllister was the winner of the 2005 Temple Grandin

award for services to children with autism and their families. He was a Clinical Assistant

Professor of Pediatrics for the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.

Particular areas of expertise include early identification of children with autism, the

development of social skills through inclusive programming, adapting cognitive-

behavioral methods for use with individual with autism spectrum disorders, and

supporting the educational transitions of students with autism spectrum disorders.

Assessment

Dr. McAllister has been assessing children with autism and other developmental questions for 35 years. He  provided advanced training on assessing autism for interns and professional in the field for more than 20 years. Dr. McAllister focuses on having a high level of family involvement in the evaluation process. He works at making a connection with the child in order to see the child's abilities as well as any limitations.  His reports include detailed, customized recommendations for each client, whether or not a diagnosis is indicated. Dr. McAllister is also available to meet with families beyond the initial evaluation to help the family in moving forward. 

Therapy/Counseling

Dr. McAllister provides individual and family therapy to adolescents and adults using a model of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy specifically adapted for individuals on the spectrum. Dr. McAllister has trained professionals in this model in regional and international contexts.

Programs Developed by Dr. McAllister

​​      - the first inclusive summer program in the country for children with autism

      - a specialized training program for pre-doctoral interns and post-doctoral fellows in                                               psychology

​      - an outpatient mental health program specifically for children and adolescents with autism

      - social skills groups

      - an in-home and community therapeutic support program

         exclusively for children with  autism

      - a summer program for adolescents to address social skills

      - a transition program to prepare students for entry into college

Dr. McAllister provides presentations, training, consultation, and program development services locally and internationally.