What We Believe
At the Adult Autism Centre, we respect neurodiversity.
Autism is not a medical condition that needs to be treated, nor is it a disease that needs to be cured.
Autism is a way of being.
Our goal is to provide adults with neuroaffirming autism assessments that will provide validation, accommodation, and guidance for full and successful lives.
We are not the story, you are.
-Gurdeep and Anita
Dr. Gurdeep Parhar MD CCFP CBOM CIME
Graduating medical school as the youngest doctor in Canada that year, Gurdeep understands living life that is different than others.
For over 30 years, his medical practice has focused on providing services to those with different abilities including traumatic brain injury, ADHD, and autism.
Gurdeep is certified in Occupational Medicine and Disability Medicine.
He Co-Founded the Adult ADHD Centre www.adultadhdcentre.com which has provided affordable ADHD Assessments to over 25,000 adults in every region of Canada.
Gurdeep is a Clinical Professor at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, where he has also served as Acting Dean, Executive Associate Dean, Associate Dean and Co-Acting Department Head.
Gurdeep has done extensive training in autism, including the
ADOS-2 and ADI-R, the two gold standards for Autism Assessments.
Gurdeep has won numerous provincial and national awards for his contributions to education, research, professionalism,
equity, diversity and inclusion:
- UBC Killam Teaching Prize which is UBC's highest teaching honour
- BC College of Family Physicians Teacher of the Year Award
- University of Calgary’s Alumnus of Distinction Award
- Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada National Equity, Diversity and Gender Award
- Canadian Medical Association’s National Award for Professionalism and Medical Ethics
Gurdeep's Tedx Talk on "Fixing Racism" has had over 1 million views
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POU1HjdXziM
Gurdeep loves to eat cauliflower while listening to country music.
Dr. Anita Parhar BEd MEd PhD
Starting her career as an elementary school teacher, Anita understands the challenges of neurodivergent individuals trying to navigate the schooling system and the rest of life.
Later, as a UBC Faculty of Education University Instructor who trained teachers, she recognized the need for greater awareness of autism and ADHD, as well as the importance of accessible neuroaffirming assessments.
Anita Co-Founded the Adult ADHD Centre www.adultadhdcentre.com which has provided affordable ADHD Assessments to over 25,000 adults in every region of Canada.
Recognizing the unique needs of women, Anita founded the
Adult ADHD Centre for Women www.adhdcentreforwomen.com.
Anita was also an Honorary Lecturer in the UBC Faculty of Medicine teaching and research interests involved examining critical issues in health care for underserved communities, from a social justice and health equity perspective.
She also served on the Social Responsibility and Accountability Working Group for the MD Undergraduate Program.
Additionally, Anita was the co-host of “Pearls for Success,” a weekly television program which targeted the well-being of new Canadians.
Anita has done extensive training in autism, including the
ADOS-2 and ADI-R, the two gold standards for Autism Assessments.
Her research explores how practices of schools, health care systems, families, and communities are influenced by stereotypes, colonialism, racism, and ableism.
Anita provides education nationally and internationally to health care providers, educators and the public.
Anita enjoys sour lime candies while watching action movies.