Maribel Del Rio-Roberts

Dr. Maribel Del Rio-Roberts is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Services at Nova Southeastern University's Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. She oversees the Master's program in Developmental Disabilities and supervises Psychology trainees (practicum students, interns, residents). Her work focuses on autism assessment, early intervention, and developmental disabilities, combining clinical practice with research and community engagement.

Education:

• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Carlos Albizu University
• M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Carlos Albizu University
• B.A. in Psychology, Florida International University

Research Interests: Dr. Del Rio-Roberts specializes in autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and lifespan development. She emphasizes early childhood intervention, transition services for adults with disabilities, and disability services administration. Her work integrates clinical child psychology and pediatric psychology approaches, with notable contributions to qualitative research methodologies.

Grants & Projects: As principal investigator, she leads the grant-funded Watch Me Grow Program for young children at-risk of autism, and collaborates on university-community grants addressing foster care, parenting skills, and case manager training. She has also served as co-PI on projects related to autism assessment and mental health for survivors of torture.

Consulting & Clinical Work: She provides mental health consultation to the Special Olympics of Florida, Miami-Dade Head Start, and Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Her clinical expertise includes Spanish-language services and trauma-informed interventions for pediatric oncology patients via her Playful Minds Coping Skills Program.