Nancy Garon

Nancy Garon is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Mount Allison University. Her research focuses on child development, particularly in the areas of decision-making processes, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and early intervention strategies. She explores how executive functioning, temperament, and behavioral traits influence developmental outcomes in infants and preschoolers, with a strong emphasis on ASD diagnosis, treatment efficacy, and policy implications.

Her work includes studies on pivotal response treatment (PRT) for preschoolers with ASD, the role of caregiver involvement, and cross-provincial comparisons of autism services. She has contributed to understanding the heterogeneity of decision-making strategies in young children and the predictive value of early behavioral signs for ASD. Garon’s research also addresses modifiable characteristics in interventions and the impact of socioeconomic factors on program accessibility.

Key themes in her publications include developmental trajectories of adaptive behavior in ASD, temperament’s role in behavioral outcomes, and the application of decision-making models like the Iowa Gambling Task to preschool populations. Her findings inform both clinical practice and public policy, aiming to improve early identification and intervention for children with developmental challenges.

While no specific grants or awards are listed, her extensive body of work highlights collaborative efforts with institutions across Canada. Her research often involves longitudinal studies of high-risk infant siblings, emphasizing the importance of early screening tools like the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI). Garon’s interdisciplinary approach bridges developmental psychology, clinical practice, and public health planning to address gaps in autism services and child mental health support.