Aubyn Stahmer

Aubyn Stahmer is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, Davis Medical Center and Director of the UC Davis MIND Institute and its Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. She earned her PhD in Psychology from UC San Diego in 1994, specializing in parent coaching and behavioral strategies for children with autism. With over 30 years of experience, her career includes roles at Rady Children’s Hospital and UCSD before joining UC Davis in 2015 to focus on implementation science, scaling evidence-based autism interventions into community settings.

Her research emphasizes translating evidence-based practices into practical solutions for schools and underserved communities. Key areas include training educators and providers, adapting interventions for diverse populations, and fostering collaboration between researchers and community stakeholders. She leads grants totaling over $10 million, including NIH-funded studies on autism intervention efficacy and equity in service access.

Dr. Stahmer’s work bridges clinical practice and policy, addressing disparities in autism diagnosis, treatment, and inclusion. Her lab focuses on implementation climate, leadership strategies, and caregiver coaching. She collaborates with universities, healthcare systems, and families to ensure equitable access to quality care. Notable contributions include developing the Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching model and advancing culturally responsive interventions through projects like the Autism Caregiver Coaching in Africa (ACACIA) trial.

Awards and recognitions are not explicitly listed in her profile, but her extensive grant portfolio reflects peer-reviewed validation of her work. She mentors students and trains professionals across disciplines, emphasizing community partnerships to drive sustainable change in autism care.