I am passionate about increasing neurodiverse representation and recognition of lived expertise in autism research. In addition to my work in the DREAmS lab, I am privileged to be a member of the Autistic Researchers Committee in the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR). I am interested in exploring the phenomenon of autistic masking and how the ableist marginalization intersects with sexism, transphobia, racism, and heterosexism for autistic populations. I hope to also eventually inform evidence-based clinical practice for autistic adults through the feedback and recommendations of diverse autistic communities and allies.
Book Chapters
Melton, R., & Taylor, E. (2017). Feedback-informed treatment for adolescents and young adults with early onset psychotic disorders. In D. S. Prescott, C. L. Maeschalck, & S. D. Miller (Eds.), Feedback-informed treatment in clinical practice: Reaching for excellence (pp. 201-234). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Journal Articles
Taylor, E. (2023). Beyond ‘bad’ behaviors: A call for occupational scientists to rethink autism. Journal of Occupational Science, 30(4), 575–590. https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2022.2136231 Show abstract
In this paper, I explore how autistic behaviors are rendered Othered transgressive acts in general research and in the figured world of occupation. I assess how the normalization agenda, which aims to condition autistic people into appearing abled, is associated with endemic disparities. I contend that occupational science has often countered anti-autistic stigma. However, I analyze how the field has perpetuated ableism by replicating normalization ideology and through its silence on the occupational significance of autistic behaviors. To contrast dominant assumptions, I examine autistic ways of being within occupational frameworks. I propose that the field can foster inclusion, rethink its figured worlds, and recognize autistic behaviors to promote social responsiveness. I argue these steps are ethically imperative as evidence on the harms of normalization accumulates.
Keywords. Occupational science; Autism; Intersectionality; Occupational justice; Social justice; Ableism
Angell, A. M., Carreon, E. D., Akrofi, J. N. S., Franklin, M. D., Taylor, E. E., Miller, J., Crowley, C., & Maher, S. O. (2023). Challenges and facilitators to telehealth occupational therapy for autistic children during COVID-19. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 43(3), 513-522. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492221142597 Show abstract
Pre-pandemic, telehealth occupational therapy (OT) for autistic children appeared promising, but research was limited. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity to investigate how clinics transitioned to telehealth. The purpose of this study was to examine barriers and facilitators that influenced delivery of OT services through telehealth for autistic children during the pandemic. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 13 participants (three administrators, six OTs, and four parents of autistic children) at three Los Angeles area clinics over a 7-month period. We used narrative and thematic analysis to identify four themes. We identified (a) Challenges and (b) Facilitators to Conducting Telehealth OT, including practical strategies for successful facilitation, and (c) Negative and (d) Positive Outcomes of Conducting Telehealth OT. As telehealth will likely remain a viable means of OT service delivery in the future, our findings provide insight into ways that it can be improved and sustained.
Conference Presentations/Proceedings
Taylor, E., Guzman, M., Rios, J., & Angell, A. (2023). “I can do it mommy”: Secondary analysis of qualitative interviews to understand autistic children’s experiences of telehealth occupational therapy Services during the COVID-19 pandemic [Poster presentation]. International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting.
Taylor, E., Abercrombie, J., Ali, A., Khurana, A., & Kim, J. (2022). REAL recruitment: Optimizing social media outreach in an online era [Taught course]. Society for Behavioral Medicine Conference 2022 Annual Meeting.
Taylor, E., Abercrombie, J., Firestone, A., Ali, A., Khurana, A., & Kim, J. (2021). The impact of social media on COVID-era recruitment for the REAL-T study [Paper presentation]. USC Chan Occupational Science Symposium.
Taylor, E. (2020). From motherhood to masking: The hidden narratives of autistic women [Poster presentation]. Occupational Therapy Summit of Scholars.
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