Elissa M. Taylor

Elissa M. Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California's Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She holds an OTD, MA, and BS/BA degrees from USC, Montana State University, and other institutions. Her research focuses on autism advocacy, telehealth interventions, and chronic condition management, particularly through Lifestyle Redesign frameworks. Dr. Taylor has contributed to studies on telehealth efficacy for autistic children and diabetes care for young adults. She is affiliated with Dr. Pyatak's research lab and has received notable awards including the Lisa A. Test Scholarship. Her work emphasizes intersectional approaches to occupational justice and challenges ableist norms in healthcare.

• Education:
• OTD in Occupational Therapy (2020) - University of Southern California
• MA in Occupational Therapy (2019) - University of Southern California
• BS in Exercise Physiology (2016) - Montana State University
• BA in Liberal Arts (2016) - Montana State University
• Research Interests: Autistic masking, telehealth delivery, chronic disease interventions, occupational justice, neurodiversity advocacy

Her recent work explores how occupational science can address systemic barriers faced by neurodiverse populations, particularly Black autistic women. She collaborates on studies like the REAL-T telehealth diabetes intervention and has published on the ethical implications of normalization agendas in autism care.