Alex Porthukaran

Alex Porthukaran is a clinical psychologist and researcher at the Adult Neurodevelopmental Services program and the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). His clinical work involves assessment, consultation and intervention with autistic adults and those with neurodevelopmental conditions.

With regards to research, his interests are in two primary areas: 1) the assessment and diagnosis of autism in adulthood; and 2) intervention with adults with neurodevelopmental conditions and their caregivers. His current research examines outcomes and profiles of adults diagnosed through CAMH, and their experiences as late diagnosed adults.

Additionally, he is developing interventions along with autistic adults using innovative approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He is also engaged in teaching, providing education within the hospital and to various agencies, and the mentorship of students.

Grants:

Co-Investigator. Azrieli Accelerator Catalyst Grant. Evaluation of a Co-Produced Acceptance and Commitment Training Program with and for Autistic Adults. $50,000 CAD.

Co-Investigator. Kids Brain Health Network, Brain Canada. No Caregiver Left Behind: Addressing Accessibility and Sustainability of an ACT Intervention for Family Caregivers of People with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. $808,747.30 CAD

Co-Investigator. International Partnership Fund. University of Warwick. £4987 [Stipend]

Co-Supervisor. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Autistic Adults. Kids Brain Health Network and Mitacs. $25,000 CAD

Recent Publications:

Porthukaran, A., Yusupov, I., Segers, M., Konanur, S., Ncube, B., & Bebko, J. (2022). Autism Summer Employment Program: An evaluation of a community-based pilot program. Journal of Developmental Disabilities. 27(3).

Porthukaran, A., Zak, M., Moharir, M., Mamak, E., A., & Sinopoli, K. (2022). Neuropsychological outcome of glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome: A case study of identical twin boys without intellectual disability. Applied Neuropsychology: Child 8, 191-203.

Bebko, J. M., Dahary, H., Goldstein, G., Porthukaran, A., & Ferland, M. (2020). Organizational memory strategy training with children with autism spectrum disorder. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue Canadienne Des Sciences Du Comportement. 53(1), 1–11.

Honours and Awards:

2024: Clinical Supervision Award, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.

2022: Psychology Trainee Award, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.

2017: Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, York University, Toronto, Canada.