Sarah Smead, LPA, HSP-PA, NCSP

Sarah Smead is a licensed psychological associate (LPA) with over 16 years of experience providing psychological assessment, neurodivergent-affirming care, and school-based and clinical consultation and training. She specializes in autism, ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, executive functioning, and other neurodevelopmental and mental health concerns across the lifespan.

Previously, Sarah served as an Autism Specialist and Clinical Instructor with the UNC-Chapel Hill TEACCH Autism Program, conducting autism evaluations and providing intervention services for children, adolescents, and adults. She also trained educators nationally and internationally on autism and learning strategies to support neurodivergent students in both the classroom and at home.

Sarah has extensive experience as a school psychologist in Arizona and North Carolina, including her work at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools on the Behavior Enrichment Services Team, supporting students with diverse academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental needs. Her clinical expertise focuses on differential diagnosis, helping individuals and families understand the interplay between autism, ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, mood concerns, executive functioning challenges, and other factors that affect daily life.

Sarah provides neurodivergent-affirming evaluations and consultation for individuals ages 5 and up, with a strong focus on adolescents and adults. Her approach combines evidence-based assessment tools with collaboration, curiosity, and respect for lived experience. She emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and practical next steps, helping clients feel understood and supported without needing to mask their identity.

Whether someone is seeking clarity for themselves or their child, Sarah’s goal is to guide them through a process that affirms strengths, validates identity, and promotes meaningful growth.