Teal Benevides

Teal Benevides, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA is an Associate Professor and Director of Faculty Development at the Institute of Public and Preventive Health at Augusta University. She holds appointments in the School of Public Health and the Department of Community & Behavioral Health Sciences, with additional connections to the College of Allied Health Sciences. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Health Related Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University (2014), an MS in Occupational Therapy from Jefferson Health (2004), and a BS in Psychology from William & Mary (2002).

Dr. Benevides has a passion for describing, understanding, and addressing disparities among individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her research focuses particularly on racial and ethnic minorities, autistic adults, and mental health outcomes. She has made significant contributions to understanding the prevalence of intellectual disability among adults, healthcare access disparities, and mental health challenges in the autistic community.

Her recent research portfolio demonstrates consistent output across multiple high-impact areas, with a strong emphasis on health policy implications, community mental health access, and the specific healthcare needs of autistic women and adults with IDD. She employs diverse methodologies including epidemiological studies, policy analysis, and community-based participatory research approaches.

Scientific Awards:

• Dale Richmond/Justin Coleman Award from American Academy of Pediatrics (2024)
• Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (2022)
• Outstanding Achievement Award from Georgia State University Center for Leadership in Disability (2021)
• Barbara E. Grant Award of Merit from Georgia Occupational Therapy Association (2019)
• Emerging Research Scientist Award from Augusta University (2019)

Dr. Benevides serves as Deputy Editor for Autism in Adulthood and Associate Editor for the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Organization for Autism Research and the Advisory Board for the Institute of Exceptional Care. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including Georgia Public Radio, WRDW, and WJBF, where she discusses critical issues facing adults with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.

Her research has direct implications for healthcare policy, particularly regarding Medicaid waivers, mental health services, and the development of appropriate support systems for the growing population of autistic adults in the United States.