Elinor “Ellie” Taylor MA, OTR
Faculty Mentor:
Amber Angell PhD, OTR/L
Research Lab: Disparity Reduction and Equity in Autism Services (DREAmS)
Year of Entry: 2020
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.
Master of Arts (MA)
in Occupational Therapy
2020 | Washington University in St. Louis
Master of Science (MS)
in Counseling
2015 | Portland State University
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
in History
2011 | Willamette University
Pyatak, E. A., Ali, A., Khurana, A. R., Lee, P.-J., Sideris, J., Fox, S., Díaz, J., Granados, G., Blanchard, J., McGuire, R., Salazar Plascencia, E., Salcedo-Rodriguez, E., Flores-Garcia, J., Linderman, M., Taylor, E. E., Tapia, V., Nnoli, N., Sequeira, P. A., Freeby, M. J., & Raymond, J. K. (2023). Research design and baseline participant characteristics of the Resilient, Empowered, Active Living with Diabetes - Telehealth (REAL-T) Study: A randomized controlled trial for young adults with type. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 135, 107386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2023.107386 Show abstract
Background. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition affecting nearly 1.9 million people in the United States. Young adults (YAs) with T1D face unique challenges in managing their condition, experiencing poorer health and well-being than other age groups. The current study is evaluating the Resilient, Empowered, Active Living (REAL) intervention, previously shown to improve glucose levels and quality of life among YAs with diabetes, using telehealth delivery (REAL-T) to expand reach and accessibility. This paper reports on the methodology and baseline participant characteristics of the REAL-T study.
Methods. REAL-T is a two-arm randomized controlled trial that recruited 18–30 year olds with T1D via clinics and social media advertising. Data collection, which was adapted to be fully remote due to COVID-19, occurs every three months for one year. Participants receive either usual care or a 6-month telehealth occupational therapy intervention. The primary outcome is glycated hemoglobin (A1c); secondary outcomes include diabetes distress, quality of life, and continuous glucose monitor-derived measures.
Results. The study enrolled a diverse sample of 209 YAs with T1D. Analysis of baseline data indicates equivalence between the intervention and control groups. Study participants have notably higher diabetes distress and poorer mental well-being than similar populations.
Conclusion. The REAL-T study successfully adapted to remote implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. By examining long-term outcomes, mediating pathways, and cost-effectiveness, the study will contribute knowledge of the impact of tailored interventions for YAs with T1D, designed to reduce disparities and improve health and well-being in this population.
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.
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.
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.
Autistic Researcher Award | 2023
International Society for Autism Research
Lisa A. Test Scholarship | 2022
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Excellence in Student Research Award | 2019
Washington University in St. Louis Department of Occupational Therapy
Founding Member of the Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) Center for Excellence Award | 2015
Regional Research Institute at Portland State University
Study highlights barriers, facilitators to telehealth occupational therapy for autistic children during the pandemic ⟩
January 17, 2023
Qualitative research explores perspectives of occupational therapists, clinical administrators and caregivers.
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