Integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Children with autism may experience difficulties understanding and using language, engaging in play with others, and with changes in routines. Applied Behavior Analysis is a widely used therapy for children with autism that helps improve communication, social skills and adaptive learning. Other therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, caregiver training and support and social skills groups are also beneficial.

Our team's current research focuses on refining treatment strategies to promote optimal outcomes. Key areas include interventions to promote social communication and social interaction skills, joint attention and play skills and generative language repertoires.

Department Research Areas

• Developing and evaluating novel skill acquisition interventions.

• Evaluating procedures to promote generative language repertoires.
• Staff and caregiver training on evidenced-based behavioral interventions.
• Behavior-analytic research methodology.
• Safety skills, including virtual reality applications (e.g., pedestrian safety skills).
• Interventions to improve health and hygiene routines such as reducing feeding difficulties and improving cooperation with haircuts, toothbrushing, etc.

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Student Research Opportunities

Faculty and Staff Research

Explore research focused on the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities performed by MMI's integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders faculty and staff.

• Regina A. Carroll, PhD, BCBA-D
• Sarah Connolly, PhD, BCBA-D, ABPP
• Christian Courson, PhD
• Mary E. Halbur, PhD, BCBA-D
• Amber Paden, PhD, LMHP, BCBA
• Laura E. Phipps, PhD, BCBA-D
• Catalina N. Rey, PhD, BCBA-D
• Nicole M. Rodriguez, PhD, BCBA-D
• Alice Shillingsburg, PhD, BCBA-D, LP
• Patricia K. Zemantic, PhD, BCBA-D