Dr. Vanessa Bal

Dr. Vanessa H. Bal earned her MSc in Neuroscience from the University of Oxford and her PhD in Psychology from the University of Michigan. She also completed her Clinical Psychology internship at UMichigan and a Postdoc in Human Genetics in the University of California San Francisco Department of Psychiatry. Her LifeSPAN Autism lab focuses on advancing understanding of autism in adulthood, with specific interests in assessment, diagnosis, characterization of strengths and adaptation of interventions and supports to address adult mental health concerns and foster well-being. Outside of research, she aims to promote equitable access to services through provision of graduate and professional training about autism in adulthood. 

Dr. Bal is Vice President of the International Society for Autism Research (2025-2027), a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA; Division 33) and Associate Editor at the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. She is also an independent trainer on the ADOS-2 and ADI-R and leads trainings on these diagnostic instruments, as well as other topics, in conjunction with GSAPP’s Office of Professional Development and Continuing Education. 

Dr. Bal’s lab will provide clinical and research opportunities for trainees at all levels, including undergraduate volunteers, the GSAPP master of applied psychology and Psy.D. programs and the clinical Ph.D. program. For more information, please visit the LifeSPAN Lab website or contact LifeSPANlab@gsapp.rutgers.edu.

APA Division 33's Early Career Research Award