disabilities since 2014. She specializes in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and treating mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression trauma) in people with ASD. Dr. Dreher is skilled in identifying autism in girls, women, and those assigned female at birth (AFAB). She is knowledgeable about masking (a phenomena in which people with autism learn to hide their symptoms to appear “neurotypical”) and the impact masking has on a person’s mental health.
Dr. Dreher believes in the neurodiversity model, which is the idea that all people think differently. Thus, conditions like autism and ADHD are thought of as brain differences rather than brain deficits. Dr. Dreher enjoys helping people identify their unique strengths and areas where they need extra help so that they can create a plan to achieve their goals.
Dr. Dreher is from the great city of Chicago. She received her doctorate degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2019. She has trained at prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago, the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Dr. Dreher uses evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), behavioral parent training, and executive functioning coaching. Outside of work, you’ll find Dr. Dreher in the mountains either rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking, or backpacking.