Welcome to the Alyvia Autism Center

Hello and welcome! I'm Dr. Kirsten Willar, and I'm so glad you're here.

My drive for helping individuals and families impacted by autism is fueled by my own personal experiences of witnessing first-hand the strengths and challenges of living with a sibling with autism. This, coupled with providing years of childcare to a now, young woman (“Alyvia”) who has autism, has developed a genuine passion for helping individuals with autism and their families lead better quality lives.

Professionally, I have been afforded highly specialized education and training in autism. I have focused my clinical and research efforts on providing effective, evidence-based assessment and treatment for individuals with autism in both outpatient and inpatient settings, resulting in over 14+ years of professional experience in working with those impacted by autism.

Given both my personal life experiences and professional education and training, I believe that the Lord has shaped my heart to live out a life mission and purpose of intentionally caring for, valuing and supporting individuals with autism and their families.

I am here to help your child and family flourish through exceptional, individualized, comprehensive, quality care where one feels understood, appreciated, and most importantly, loved.

Thank you for considering my practice. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

With warm regards,

Kirsten Willar, Ph.D.

Licensed Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist Clinical Director of the Alyvia Autism Center

Our Values

At the Alyvia Autism Center, we are deeply committed to providing remarkable, compassionate care that centers on the unique needs of individuals and families. Rooted in genuine empathy and understanding, we approach every person with the utmost respect for their individuality, strengths, and potential.

Our work is guided by a core belief in the power of connection—whether it’s strengthening relationships within families, fostering meaningful friendships, or building a supportive community. We understand that the journey of growth and healing is deeply personal, and we collaborate closely with all involved in the treatment process to ensure that each step forward is significant.

We are dedicated to achieving meaningful outcomes, focusing on growth, stability, and lasting change. Through our holistic approach, we aim to create a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive, and families can experience peace of mind and hope for the future.

Credentials

  • Dr. Willar is a licensed Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist, who specializes in the treatment of co-occurring mental health challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder. She works with children, adolescents, young adults and their families. She has focused her clinical and research efforts on providing effective, evidence-based assessment and treatment for individuals with autism in both outpatient and inpatient settings, resulting in over 14+ years of professional experience in working with those impacted by autism.

  • Dr. Willar received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Marquette University, specializing in autism. She completed her Predoctoral Internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado Autism Clinics.

  • Dr. Willar is a former Clinical Assistant Professor at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic at Stanford Children's Health. There, she served as lead psychologist within the school age and adolescent division of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic. Additionally, Dr. Willar supervised psychiatry and psychology trainees and established a research program focused on group treatments for adolescents with autism.

    Currently, Dr. Willar provides clinical supervision to psychology graduate students within the University of Michigan Psychiatry & Psychology Department.

  • Autism and other developmental/neurodiverse-related challenges

    Dr. Willar specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families who are facing co-occurring mental health challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder and/or other developmental/neurodivergent conditions including but not limited to anxiety, OCD, depression, emotion dysregulation, social and behavioral concerns as well as associated parenting and family problems.

Our Mission

At the Alyvia Autism Center, our mission is twofold:

  1. To empower individuals and families with the skills, tools, and support they need to achieve the best possible outcomes for children with autism.

  2. To offer the broader community meaningful programs and opportunities that foster connection and support for individuals impacted by autism.

Testimonials

  • “Dr. Willar helped our adolescent son begin to develop the tools and self-awareness he needs to better cope with his emotions and stress levels in his life. Her guidance and support has proven invaluable to our family.”

    Father of 12 year old son impacted by Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder & Mood Challenges

  • “Dr. Willar provides specific, goal-oriented therapy to help clients manage personal challenges and build life skills. I appreciate her ability to be warm and caring while keeping my child accountable.”

    Mother of 17 year old son impacted by Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & Eating Challenges

  • "Dr. Willar’s accommodating approach to work with patients on their terms created trust and the ability to produce individualized strategies that worked for our daughter. Dr. Willar’s work and support was life changing for our family.”

    Mother & father of 10 year old daughter impacted by autism, ADHD, Anxiety & Mood Challenges

  • “Through Dr. Willar’s professionalism, warmth, and ability to establish a genuine connection, she was able to bond with our son over Zoom. Our son felt listened to and safe to talk about his fears and struggles."

    Mother & Father of 9 year old son impacted by autism, ADHD & Anxiety