The Autism SIG is grateful for the leadership of our current co-chairs:
Hannah Morton, PhD (she/her/hers)
Dr. Hannah Morton is a neurodivergent assistant professor at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her research examines social acceptance and peer victimization of autistic and neurodivergent youth as well as the overlap and distinction of autism and ADHD. Her recent work focuses on the validity of outcome measurement in autism and ADHD as well as the inclusion of affirming language and autistic voices within the field.
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.
Co-Chair Elect
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.
Thanks to all of our previous SIG co-chairs for their leadership:
SIG Co-Chairs
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)