Katy Ankenman

Katy Ankenman is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in diagnosing and assessing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. She also educates parents on ASD and provides short-term psychotherapy to children and adults with depression, anxiety and related disorders.

Ankenman's key areas of research are the genetic heterogeneity of ASD, sex differences in ASD, evidence-based treatment of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and community and vocational support for adults with ASD. Prior to joining UCSF, she spent six years at the University of Washington Autism Center working on research aimed at understanding the genetics of ASD. These studies led to travels all over the United States – from Alaska to New Jersey and many states in between – to interview families touched by ASD. Learning from these diverse families was an invaluable and rewarding experience.

Ankenman earned her master's degree in social work from the University at Albany – State University of New York. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and International Society for Autism Research.