Erika Shira

I come to this work as a parent of a young adult with multiple disabilities, a foster parent, and someone personally active in the queer and neurodivergent communities. I combine a background of research-based knowledge with learning firsthand from those with lived experience. My approach is rooted in social justice, abolition, and liberation health.

As a social justice practitioner, I intentionally book time each week for those who need to be seen urgently (or have their child seen urgently) in order to satisfy requirements of systems and reduce unnecessary use of crisis resources and involuntary interventions.

I provide evaluation, consultation, diagnostic assessments, second opinions, psychoeducation and systems navigation assistance, and brief solution-oriented work. I am a certified early intervention specialist able to evaluate concerns in infants and young children. I provide developmental and diagnostic assessment to those of all ages, including assessment for autism and ADHD.

My focus is on helping clients get their concrete needs met in a way that is cost-effective and respectful of their time, while working within constraints of systems and regulations. I aim to provide solutions such as referrals, accommodation letters, diagnostic reports, gender letters, and so forth in an efficient manner.