Dr. Chris Dabbs is an autistic tenure-track professor of psychology at Valparaiso University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in psychopathology, personality theories, addiction, psychology of religion and spirituality, and even comic books and mental health! He is also a licensed mental health counselor and licensed psychologist working with Pillars of Wellness, LLC, a large group psychotherapy practice with locations across the Chicagoland region.

Dr. Chris’ research concerns the intersections of identity and mental health—with a predominant interest in non-believer (e.g., atheist, agnostic) and autistic identities. Dr. Chris is interested in questions concerning ways we can best support atheist college students in developing community and dispelling broad myths about autistic people, their abilities, and ways of being to pave batter paths of inclusion.

Clinically, he specializes in differential diagnosis, with a particular focus on autism, ADHD, and OCD in verbally-fluent adults. Dr. Chris is a fierce advocate for the neurodivergent community and currently volunteers as a member of the Research Team for the non-profit organization Autistics Unmasked, where he works on producing materials for the autism community.