Laura Alba

Dr. Laura Alba is a researcher affiliated with the Center for Autism Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center, specializing as a bilingual psychologist in autism evaluations for culturally and linguistically diverse children. Her work focuses on advancing social justice in autism diagnosis, particularly validating assessment tools for Spanish-speaking populations to enhance diagnostic accuracy and cultural relevance. She holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of California, Riverside, and prior degrees from San Diego State University and Columbia University’s Teachers College.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Psychology, San Diego State University
• Master’s in Neuroscience and Education, Teachers College, Columbia University
• Ph.D. in School Psychology, University of California, Riverside

Research Interests: Dr. Alba’s research bridges psychology and education, addressing systemic inequities in autism diagnosis and assessment practices. She examines adverse childhood experiences’ impact on mental health and advocates for equitable evaluation methods for neurodiverse children from marginalized backgrounds. Her work emphasizes culturally responsive tools and social justice frameworks in clinical settings.

Awards/Grants: No specific awards or grants are listed in the provided text.

Labs/Teams: Active within the Center for Autism Care, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to improve diagnostics and support for diverse populations.