Make “Different” Your Child’s Superpower

Dr. April Coleman-Bullard is a Georgia-licensed pediatric psychologist in private practice at Georgia Autism Center (GAC). Her insurance-based practice specializes in the comprehensive assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning differences, and anxiety. Currently, she serves as the GAC practicum site coordinator for graduate-level students attending Mercer University, Brenau University, Fielding University, and the University of Georgia. Dr. Coleman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia State University, followed by a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. She completed an American Psychological Association-accredited internship with the University of Massachusetts’ Community Healthlink Youth and Family Services, where she received specific training from a certified trainer and coach in conducting Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) through a joint initiative with the Massachusetts Child Trauma Center and Community Healthlink. Additionally, she received training in the assessment of autism spectrum disorder, specific learning differences, and common challenges presenting in childhood. Upon her return to Atlanta, Georgia, in late 2012, she completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship through Optimal Psychological Services. She also received specific training in conducting various types of evaluations for the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Throughout Dr. Coleman’s career as a pediatric psychologist, she has received multiple awards and recognition, reflecting her commitment to clinical excellence, public education, and community outreach. These accolades celebrate her leadership in practice and the broader mental health field. She was featured on the cover of the Fall 2024 edition of True Self Magazine as a Woman of Excellence in Healthcare and was named as a Face of Peachtree Corners (where her practice is located) in the December/January 2024 edition of the Peachtree Corners Magazine. These individual honors complement her recognition as one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 and Georgia State University’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023. She also received the SPECTRUM Autism Support Group’s First Quarter Board Excellence Award in 2022 for going above and beyond her duties and responsibilities, volunteering her (and her husband’s) time and resources, connecting families to resources within SPECTRUM, and introducing the executive director and board of directors’ chairperson to additional professionals who would be an asset to the SPECTRUM board and advisory council. Additionally, Dr. Coleman was the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties (JLGNF) Star of the Month in both February and September 2024. Most recently, she was awarded the Cynthia Tanner Award, which highlights her work as the Membership Engagement and Education Chairperson and dedication to advocating for initiatives centered around women and girls in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and beyond. Recognition also includes JLGNF as a member who has shown dedication to causes by bringing awareness to the effects of generational poverty through the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI). As a part of this initiative, she wore one black dress for five consecutive days to illustrate the effects that poverty can have on a woman’s access to resources, her self-esteem, and professional opportunities. She wore a pin on her outfit that read, “Ask Me About My Dress,” to encourage dialogue among colleagues, friends, and strangers about this important initiative and to raise funds to support the cause. These accolades highlight her contributions to community outreach and family education initiatives. Dr. Coleman’s work has been highlighted in several media outlets, including interviews and articles in CanvasRebel, Voyage Atlanta, and True Self Magazine. She has served as a professional contributor to Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine and Autism Spectrum News. She has shared expert insights on radio platforms, such as V103’s Big Tigger Morning Show, to discuss autism spectrum disorders during Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month and on WRFG 89.3 FM’s On Your Mind program, focusing on early signs of childhood anxiety and how parents can support their anxious children. Over the years, Dr. Coleman has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences, community events, and schools. She serves as a regular panelist for The Harris Gude Foundation's annual special needs family event, where she speaks on the childhood assessment process. She has also lent her voice to events, such as the Peachtree Ridge High School Psychology Club monthly meeting and the Executive Functioning and Social Skills Online Summit sponsored by Family First Speech Therapy in California. She has served as a guest lecturer at Georgia State University, speaking to students in the Community Mental Health Counseling program about autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, she has shared information about the educational assessment process on the Smart Parents Successful Students Podcast and addressed emotional well-being, grief, and loss for women at Trinity AME Church’s Total Women’s Ministry monthly meeting. Education and advocacy are at the heart of Dr. Coleman’s practice. She led parent education workshops at the Focus Forward Conference in 2022 and 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky, collaborated with the SPECTRUM Mocha Matters Online Parent Support Group, SPECTRUM Autism Support Group at First Baptist Church of Duluth, and provided training for foster parents through Georgia HOPE. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, she hosted anxiety workshops at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School and the International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICA Georgia) and engaged with parents and educators through Facebook Live events with Dynamis Learning. She also contributed to the Georgia Psychological Foundation’s Mental Health Moments, where she developed a three-part series on childhood anxiety, featured on social media and other platforms, such as Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts. Dr. Coleman’s dedication to professional development is evident through her participation in training programs and collaborations with school districts and non-profits. She has facilitated workshops for Fulton County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) Annual Meeting, and ICAGeorgia, focusing on trauma, learning differences, and ADHD. These sessions equip parents and professionals with the knowledge to better support children and families in various educational and therapeutic settings. Dr. Coleman is a published author and will release a children’s book this fall, titled “Bye-Bye Jitterbugs. This book will address the ramifications of anxiety, further amplifying her voice in the autism and mental health communities. She resides in Gwinnett County, Georgia, with her husband, Courtney, and daughter, Amara. She has four bonus children: Kayla, Mya, Courtney Jr., and Johnathan. In her spare time, she brunch hops and serves through the community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. It is undeniable that Dr. Coleman’s expertise and dedication have not only improved outcomes for the families she serves but have also established her impact as a trusted leader and advocate in the mental health field. Her mission remains the same: to empower families, educate communities, and inspire others in the pursuit of compassionate, effective care for neurodivergent children.