Leah R. Ketcheson

Leah R. Ketcheson serves as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the Health and Physical Education Teaching program (H-PET) within the College of Education at Wayne State University. Her academic work focuses on adapted physical education, particularly Certified Adapted Physical Education (CAPE) teaching credentials, which provide special education endorsements for physical education teachers.

Education Background:

• Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Master's Degree in Education from Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
• PhD in Kinesiology from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at Center on Health and Physical Activity in Pediatric Disabilities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Dr. Ketcheson's research centers on early motor and physical activity interventions for youth with disabilities. Her specialty is adapted physical education, with particular focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Her work examines physical literacy and nutrition education interventions that promote positive health trajectories among children on the autism spectrum and their caregivers. She also investigates health promotion programming for children and youth with developmental disabilities, and evaluates the mental and physical health of caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. Her urban school-based research includes implementation of Special Olympics programming.

Analysis of Dr. Ketcheson's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on addressing health disparities in children with autism and developmental disabilities. Her research demonstrates how physical activity interventions can improve motor skills, physical fitness, and social outcomes regardless of language ability or developmental challenges. Her work increasingly incorporates telehealth delivery methods and examines both child outcomes and caregiver health impacts. The research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between motor development, communication skills, and core autism symptoms.

Scientific Awards and Grants:

• Principal Investigator for $500,000 Physical Literacy And Nutrition Education (PLANE) grant from Michigan Health Endowment Fund
• Principal Investigator for $125,000 Healthy Adapted Physical Activity Programming for Youth (HAPPY) from WKKF Kellogg Foundation
• Multiple HAPPY program grants totaling $50,000 from Ralph Wilson Legacy Foundation and LightUp
• Principal Investigator for $15,000 Virtual Behavioral Training Program from Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
• Co-Investigator on $30,000 grant from Organization for Autism Research
• Multiple internal Wayne State University research grants

Dr. Ketcheson actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students in Health and Physical Education, as well as Exercise Sport Science programs. She provides hands-on training through various internship and practicum placements where students work directly with families, offering tailored intervention support and conducting behavioral evaluations. Her grants consistently include student involvement components, providing research and clinical experience for the next generation of adapted physical educators.

As Clinical Director for Health Promotion for Special Olympics Michigan, Dr. Ketcheson leads health screening initiatives at statewide competitions and integrates Wayne State students into these community engagement activities. Her work bridges academic research with practical community application, creating opportunities for students to gain real-world experience while addressing critical health disparities in the disability community.