Allison Griffin, DNP, MSN, CPNP-PC
Allison Griffin, DNP, MSN, PNP-BC, is a doctoral-prepared pediatric nurse practitioner who specializes in the care of children and adolescents with developmental and behavioral differences. She is recognized for her expertise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evaluations, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) consultations, and comprehensive developmental assessments, and is committed to partnering with families to improve diagnostic clarity and guide evidence-based interventions.
Allison earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a focus in pediatric primary care from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, where she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and selected by the dean to serve on the Appellate Review Board. She went on to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Vanderbilt, where her doctoral project evaluated the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary assessment model for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.
Allison spent more than six years working in the Center for Child Development at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. During this time, she specialized in comprehensive developmental assessments—a systematic process to evaluate a child’s growth and progress across key areas, including cognitive, motor, language, social-emotional, and adaptive skills. These evaluations incorporate standardized tests, clinical observation, and interviews with parents and teachers to provide a comprehensive profile of a child’s developmental level. The results clarify whether conditions such as an autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or developmental differences are present and inform tailored recommendations and support services to promote success at home, in school, and in the community.
She is also highly trained in the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), widely regarded as the gold standard for ASD evaluation, and has achieved the highest level of certification in its administration.
Allison resides in Nashville with her husband and four children. Outside of her clinical practice, she enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.