Rita Obeid

Dr. Rita Obeid is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Case Western Reserve University. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the City University of New York (CUNY) and previously served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Lehman College, CUNY. Her expertise spans developmental psychology, autism spectrum disorder, and inclusive pedagogy. Dr. Obeid’s research focuses on language development in children, stigma toward disabilities, and culturally responsive teaching methods. She actively incorporates student-centered approaches in her courses, emphasizing collaborative and evidence-based practices.

Her research explores barriers to care for autistic youth, caregiver experiences, and cross-cultural perspectives on stigma. Notable projects include examining vaccine hesitancy in diverse communities and designing autism trainings with autistic stakeholders. Dr. Obeid has contributed to telehealth initiatives addressing developmental disorders in young children and has published extensively on topics like inclusive education, motor skills-cognitive links, and cultural differences in health behaviors.

Dr. Obeid has collaborated on programs such as the Project REACH Summer Transition Program for autistic college students, emphasizing participatory design. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in education and healthcare, advocating for equity and accessibility in multiple domains.