Abbey Eisenhower

Abbey Eisenhower is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at UMass Boston, focusing on child clinical psychology, school-based interventions, and neurodiversity-affirming practices for autistic children. Her research emphasizes teacher professional development, early school adjustment, and reducing disparities in autism diagnosis and support.

• PhD from University of California, Los Angeles

Research Interests: Dr. Eisenhower's work centers on autism in educational contexts, including teacher-student relationships, systemic ableism, intersectionality of autistic identity, and early intervention strategies. She partners with schools and early intervention agencies to develop programs like Smooth Sailing (improving school experiences for autistic children) and the Early Childhood Educators’ Study (reducing preschool expulsion disparities).

Recent Publications: Her articles explore autism-screening frameworks, bilingualism in autism, teacher training efficacy, and systemic barriers in education. Studies span developmental assessment, health equity, and qualitative analyses of school experiences.

Grants: Funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (2023-2028), Noonan Foundation (2023-2025), HRSA, and NIMH to address disparities in autism diagnosis and support.

• Teaching: Courses include Infancy and Childhood, The Family and the Child, and Child Therapy.
• Collaborations: University of California Riverside, Fairleigh-Dickinson University, UCSD, UMass Medical Center, and Rutgers.