Ali Cunningham Abbott, PhD, LMHC, QS has worked in the autism community for 18 years. She began her career as a clinician and assistant director at Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (FAU CARD). Dr. Cunningham’s experience spans the lifespan and a variety of clinical contexts, including community-based screenings and assessments, group therapy and social supports for autistic people and their families, outpatient individual, family, and couples therapy, and professional training.
She has presented nationally and published a book, book chapters, and academic articles on autism treatment and advocacy, mental health first aid, counselor career preparation, and advocacy for BIPOC, queer, and trans communities. She has also consulted with organizations including the Florida Department of Health, universities, colleges, and non-profits.
Dr. Cunningham currently serves as program director and associate professor at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. She is excited to join The Nest Program, powered by Family First Adolescent Services in Palm Beach Gardens, as Senior Clinical Advisor to support the adolescent neurodivergent community in need of residential care.