Erika Wurz, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a board-certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in California and New York with nearly 15 years of experience across hospital-based pediatrics, outpatient rehabilitation, school systems, and private practice. She specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and complex social-pragmatic communication profiles.

Erika's clinical focus includes social communication, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and meaningful peer connection, particularly among twice-exceptional (2e) and highly verbal neurodivergent individuals whose strengths often mask underlying support needs. She combines evidence-based practice with a relationship-centered, neurodiversity-affirming approach to care and has developed specialized social communication programs informed by the UCLA PEERS® framework and tailored for neurodivergent learners.

Erika is currently completing her doctoral work in Speech-Language Pathology at Northwestern University, where her work focuses on Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 and the social communication needs of adolescents and young adults.

Northwestern University
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD), 2026–2028
Current doctoral candidate with a clinical focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, social communication, and neurodiversity-affirming intervention for adolescents and young adults.

Nazareth University
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, 2014–2016
Completed the Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism (I-SPAN), an advanced interdisciplinary training program focused on autism spectrum disorders, collaborative care models, and evidence-based intervention.

Nazareth University
Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 2010–2014
Minor in Gerontology.

Certifications:

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) – Trained in administration of the gold-standard diagnostic tool for autism spectrum disorders.

UCLA PEERS® Certified Provider – Specialized in the premier, evidence-based social skills program for children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, and social-emotional challenges.

Orofacial Myology Cert– Focused on treating orofacial myofunctional disorders impacting speech, swallowing, and oral motor development.

Clinical Interests

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 and the "hidden" presentation of autism in highly verbal individuals

• ADHD and executive functioning across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood

• Social-pragmatic communication and relationship development

• Twice-exceptional (2e) learners and the intersection of giftedness and neurodivergence

• Neurodiversity-affirming assessment and intervention practices

• Social communication in adolescent girls and young women

• Emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and identity development in neurodivergent individuals

• Perspective taking, cognitive flexibility, and conversational reciprocity

• Transition planning and support for college-age students and young adults

• Peer relationships, friendship development, and social belonging

• Parent coaching and family-centered intervention models

• Interdisciplinary collaboration to support whole-child outcomes

• Community-based intervention and the generalization of communication skills across real-world settings

• Early identification and support for students whose strengths may mask underlying communication differences

• Building authentic communication skills that support long-term independence, confidence, and quality of life

• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (14132331)

• Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, State of California (27033)

• Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, State of New York (026950)

• Active Member, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association