Leila Ostad

“There’s something wrong with me—I’m not like everyone else, and I feel so alone.” These words, often spoken by women I’ve worked with, reflect a deep sense of disconnection, frequently rooted in undiagnosed or misdiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My passion for helping individuals navigate these challenges, particularly women, has driven me to continually refine my clinical skills, to provide tailored, compassionate care for those on the spectrum.

Leila specializes in working with individuals with autism, particularly those who are late-diagnosed or have complex presentations. She serves as a lecturer at Columbia University and Rutgers University, covering a range of topics, including Trauma, Human Behavior, and Advanced Clinical Topics. Leila's expertise in autism has also led her to consult with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and large organizations on diversity and inclusion initiatives for neurodivergent people.

Leila holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Columbia University and a Master of Biomedical Science (MBS) degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She has authored several journal publications and has been a featured speaker at national professional conferences.

Outside of her professional work, Leila enjoys gardening, volunteering with animal rescue organizations, especially those that help pit bull–type dogs, and participating in group fitness classes.