Christopher Abildgaard

Education

EdD, Loyola University Chicago, IL

MA & 6th Year, Southern Connecticut State University, CT

BA, Wheaton College, MA

Dr. Abildgaard is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in autism and neurodiversity. He earned a Doctor of Education from Loyola University Chicago and holds a Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Interventions in Autism from UMass Lowell. He currently serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor and the 2025-2026 Jackie McLean Fellow in the Psychology & School Psychology Department at the University of Hartford, where he has developed and taught courses on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Neurodiversity. Previously, he contributed to the Master’s program in Autism and Neurodiversity at the University of St. Joseph (USJ) as an Adjunct Professor.

Dr. Abildgaard is also the owner and director of the Social Learning Center (SLC), LLC, located in Cheshire, CT. In this capacity, he manages a clinical caseload, conducts school consultations, and participates in national speaking engagements. His teaching and clinical practice are informed by 20 years of experience in neurodevelopmental disabilities, mental health counseling, and school psychology.In 2025, as part of his fellowship, he is scheduled to publish a book with Routledge Publishing titled, "Effective Counseling Techniques When Working with People with ASD & Their Families," which will complement his work at the SLC and the University of Hartford.

Research Interests

• Examining educational and mental health services for individuals with high and moderate
  needs following their transition from public school education.
• The effectiveness of teacher training in executive functioning and impact on referrals to
  Special Education.
• Assessing effective accommodations and supports for neurodiverse students in higher
  education.
• Examining the early development of executive functioning and its impact on social and
  academic development.