Contact

Email: jvarley@uw.edu
Phone: 206.221.6806

Biography

My primary research and clinical interests are in the diagnosis and etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I am an attending psychologist at the Seattle Children’s Autism Center where I conduct diagnostic evaluations for ASD and supervise practicum students in this regard. I am investigating various methods for diagnosis in an effort to streamline the process and decrease wait times for an initial diagnostic evaluation for ASD.

I am also interested in understanding more about the genetic landscape of ASD in order to create meaningful subtypes of the disorder, with a hope of individualizing treatments for people with ASD in the future.  I have been closely involved with Raphael Bernier, PhD in his research examining genetic contributions and biomarkers of ASD. Lastly, I have been particularly interested in ASD-related traits that can present in family members of individuals with ASD.

More about Dr. Gerdts …