Caroline Hardin

Caroline Hardin, OTD, OTR/L, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC) University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) located at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). She is also affiliated with the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and the Boone Fetter Clinic, an Autism Treatment Network site. Her clinical and research roles emphasize pediatric mental health, developmental disabilities, and interdisciplinary care.

Dr. Hardin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from Wake Forest University (magna cum laude), and a Master of Arts and Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. She completed a doctoral residency at USC UCEDD/CHLA and was a Fellow in the California Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (CA-LEND) program, focusing on sensory integration in pediatric mental health interventions. Additional training includes the USC Chan Sensory Integration Continuing Education Certificate Program and expertise in group social skills interventions (e.g., The Incredible Years & Secret Agent Society).

Her research and clinical work prioritize interprofessional pediatric mental health care, particularly in autism spectrum and developmental disorders. She conducts occupational therapy assessments at the Boone Fetter Clinic and coordinates services in the School Age Medication Management Clinic. She also provides care in CHLA’s Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. Dr. Hardin actively mentors Fieldwork Students and OTD Residents, integrating clinical practice with education.