The Autism SIG is grateful for the leadership of our current co-chairs:
Katherine Pickard, PhD (she/her/hers)
Dr. Katherine Pickard is an assistant professor and licensed psychologist in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University and the Marcus Autism Center. Katherine’s research aims to develop and evaluate strategies that foster the adoption, implementation and sustained use of high-quality care within a variety of community systems, including Early Intervention and public-school systems. She is particularly interested in the role of families and autistic partners in shaping interventions as they are implemented within the community, and in how a system’s infrastructure impacts the reach and sustainability of translation efforts. Clinically, Katherine’s work focuses on naturalistic, developmental, behavioral interventions (known as NDBIs) for young autistic children and their caregivers, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for autistic youth with co-occurring anxiety.
Sadaf Khawar, PhD (she/her/hers)
Dr. Sadaf Khawar is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Her research integrates contextual behavioral science and developmental psychopathology to examine family well-being, social cognition, and culturally responsive supports for autistic and neurodivergent youth—including those with co-occurring mental health or developmental conditions. Sadaf’s work emphasizes translational and implementation science, bridging research to practice through accessible, values-driven interventions for families navigating systemic and cultural barriers. She is deeply committed to co-producing research with autistic individuals and caregivers, amplifying community voices in shaping meaningful supports, and fostering international and cross-cultural collaborations that address global inequities in autism care. Through her research, teaching, and service, Sadaf aims to advance inclusive systems that promote dignity, belonging, and quality of life for neurodiverse communities worldwide.
Co-Chair Elect
Jordan Albright, PhD (she/her/hers)
Dr. Jordan Albright is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Alabama. Jordan’s research is conducted through a health equity lens, seeking to address the effects of systemic marginalization on underserved autistic youth. She is deeply committed to community-engaged research methods that center the needs of autistic individuals and their families. Using equity informed implementation science methods and frameworks, her research is aimed at improving access to quality, effective care for autistic individuals across the lifespan. Jordan also has experience conducting intervention research for autistic individuals. She is interested in the integration of neurodiversity affirming practices and self-determination theory into these interventions and in partnering with autistic individuals and their families on this work. Jordan also works closely with the Regional Autism Network to provide psychoeducation and professional development to providers, educators, and parents in the South.
Thanks to all of our previous SIG co-chairs for their leadership:
SIG Co-Chairs
2025 Hannah Morton and Katherine Pickard
2024 Tyler Higgs and Hannah Morton
2023 Cara Pugliese and Tyler Higgs
2022 Lindsey Burrell and Cara Pugliese
2021 Emily Kuschner and Lindsey Burrell
2020 Karen Bearss and Emily Kuschner
2019 Brenna Maddox and Karen Bearss
2018 Cy Nadler, Lauren Moskowitz, and Brenna Maddox
2017 Cy Nadler and Lauren Moskowitz
2016 Matt Lerner and Connor Kerns
2015 Matt Lerner and Connor Kerns
2013 – 2014 Susan White and Jeff Wood (Founding Co-Chairs)