A deaf psychologist who studies advocacy and how we can all become better allies to the disability community
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Dr. Szymanskiopens in new window, a clinical psychologist, specializes in neurodevelopmental disorders, focusing on intervention and treatment for children who are deaf with additional disabilities. Dr. Szymanski received her degree from Gallaudet University and completed an internship at the Child Developmental and Rehabilitation Center at Oregon Health & Science University and a postdoctoral fellowship at Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Rochester Medical School. Dr. Szymanski is deaf and identifies as part of the disability community. She is the director of services for students with disabilities at Binghamton University, State University of New York.
Dr. Szymanski combines her expertise as a psychologist and disability advocate to create equal opportunities for all, especially focusing on children who are deaf and also autistic. Her work ensures that these children receive the support and accommodations they need to thrive. She has extensive experience consulting for schools, emphasizing positive behavioral supports and accommodations, and has presented internationally on best practices for children with complex disabilities.
Szymanski, C. A., Brice, P. J., Lam, K. H., & Hotto, S. A. (2012). Deaf children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42, 2027–2037. https:\doi.org\10.1007/s10803-012-1452-9opens in new window
Szymanski, C. & Brice, P. J. (2008). When autism and deafness coexist in children: What we know now. Odyssey: New Directions in Deaf Education, 9(1), 10–15. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ903163.pdf (PDF, 429KB)opens in new window
Autism, Neurodevelopmental, Language
The development of resources to broaden diversity and representation in the teaching of high school psychology resources is an APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools initiative supported by funding from the American Psychological Foundation David and Carol Myers Fund. This resource was developed by Kara Ayers, PhD; Emily Lund, PhD; Erika Sanborne; and Allison Shaver.