ROBERT A. NASEEF, PHD

Robert Naseef, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who became a typical father in 1979.  It was a dream come true – those magical first smiles, first steps, first words.  Then in 1981, his son stopped talking, stopped playing normally, and began flapping his arms.  From those first red flags of autism until now, he has not stopped living and learning about autism and the family – the central theme of his life and work – counseling, speaking, teaching, and writing about the impact of autism on families.

Dr. Naseef practices at Alternative Choices, which was founded in 1990 with Cindy N. Ariel, PhD.  They have a general practice with a specialty in helping families of children with autism and other special needs, including autism spectrum evaluations for all ages. Alternative Choices provides monthly support groups for fathers and families.  Dr. Naseef serves as a consultant to school districts, special education parent organizations, attorneys, Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability determination, and other groups. 

Dr, Naseef’s speaking and writing utilizes a singular voice as a psychologist and father of an adult son with autism.  His latest book, Autism in the Family: Caring and Coping Together (2013, Brookes Publishing) includes praise from autism experts, parents, and people with autism such as Temple Grandin and Stephen Shore.  His writing combines and integrates professional and personal perspectives focusing on helping families navigate the emotional landscape and the controversial issues of raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder through the lifespan.  One of his special interests is the psychology of men and fatherhood.  Dr. Naseef enjoys speaking at conferences national and internationally on the vital issues facing families.