Destini Bishop-James, LCSW - ADOS-Certified Autism Specialist

Destini Bishop-James, LCSW, is an ADOS-certified clinician and behavioral health leader with more than a decade of experience in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment and trauma-informed care. Holding dual degrees (MSW, MBA), she brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and administrative leadership to her work with children, adolescents, adults, and families.

Her work emphasizes evidence-based diagnosis, culturally grounded treatment planning, and systems-level program development.

• ASD Clinical Diagnosis & ADOS Administration: Comprehensive assessment across diverse age groups using gold-standard tools.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Expertise in recognizing the overlap between ASD traits and trauma-related adaptations.
• Program Design & Leadership: Development of clinical workflows, assessment programs, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Financial Wellness Integration: Helping families address financial stressors that impact mental health and stability.
• Crisis Intervention & Risk Management: Skilled in de-escalation, safety planning, and multi-agency coordination.
• Regulatory Compliance: Extensive experience meeting HIPAA, CARF, GCP, and Joint Commission standards.

• Money & Mental Health Workshop Series (2024): A widely attended series supporting individuals and families navigating financial stress.
• The Money Relationship Starter Kit (2025): A structured workbook exploring emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns around finances.
• Financial Habits Coursebook (2025): A curriculum bridging financial literacy with behavioral coaching.
• Trauma-Informed Financial Wellness Groups (2023–Present): A novel group therapy model integrating financial safety and emotional well-being.
• Research Publication (2022): Co-author of a study on developing mentorship programs for undergraduates, published in OJE.

Destini brings a structured, strengths-based, and culturally attuned approach to ASD assessment. Her evaluations emphasize:

• Behavioral observation and functional assessment.
• Emotional regulation and sensory processing patterns.
• Differentiating ASD from trauma, attachment adaptations, or chronic stress.
• Collaborative interviews with caregivers, educators, and medical providers.

This approach ensures an accurate, compassionate, and actionable diagnosis.

With experience in clinical supervision, program development, and administrative leadership, Destini has shaped numerous behavioral health programs. She has led:

• Interdisciplinary diagnostic teams.
• Training programs for clinicians seeking ADOS certification.
• Initiatives improving access to ASD evaluation in underserved communities.
• Clinical workflow systems that increase accuracy and reduce waitlists.

She is committed to building sustainable, equitable, and accessible ASD services nationwide.