Janice N. Phung

Dr. Janice N. Phung is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at California State University San Marcos (CSU San Marcos). She joined CSU San Marcos in 2019 after serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Pitzer College (Claremont Colleges) in 2018. Her research focuses on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), examining how executive functioning, social skills, and family dynamics influence developmental outcomes for children and adolescents with ASD.

• Ph.D. Psychology & Social Behavior, UC Irvine (2017)
• M.A. Social Ecology, UC Irvine (2013)
• B.A. Psychology (Minor: Applied Developmental Psychology), UCLA (2009)

Her work investigates the impact of community-based martial arts interventions on executive functioning and social skills in children with ASD, with findings published in leading journals like Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She also explores sleep quality and its links to behavioral challenges and family relationships in adolescents with ASD.

Dr. Phung’s recent publications include studies on college students' perceptions of autistic peers, executive functioning improvements through martial arts, and gender disparities in autism research. Her lab, the Autism, Family, & Community (AFC) Lab, collaborates with community partners to develop inclusive programs like Victory Squad, an adaptive martial arts initiative for autistic children.

• Guadarrama, S., & Phung, J. N. (2023): Culture orientation and sibling relationships in ASD families
• Kirillova, E., Guadarrama, S., & Phung, J. N. (2023): Racial and gender perceptions of autistic peers

She teaches courses in the Child and Adolescent Development (CHAD) major, emphasizing student-centered learning and real-world applications of developmental science. Dr. Phung advocates for holistic approaches to autism research, integrating mindfulness, physical activity, and peer modeling in interventions.