Gael Orsmond, PhD, serves as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy and Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Boston University's Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her work centers on autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities, emphasizing family and community contexts across the lifespan. Her academic background includes: BA in Psychology from Carleton College MA in Clinical/Developmental Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago PhD in Clinical/Developmental Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago NIH Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison Dr. Orsmond's research examines how family, social, and community environments shape outcomes for autistic individuals. She investigates social participation barriers, transition challenges to adulthood, and sibling/family dynamics in developmental disabilities. Recent work develops community-based programs promoting autonomy and future planning for autistic adults and adults with Down syndrome, translating research into practical interventions. Her publication record shows consistent focus on autism across the lifespan, with increasing emphasis on adult outcomes and community integration since 2014. Research spans family perspectives, sibling relationships, museum accessibility, feasibility methodologies, and adolescent media use, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches to understanding disability experiences. Her professional recognition includes: Fellow of Division 33 (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorder) of the American Psychological Association Dr. Orsmond actively mentors doctoral students through thesis development and practice innovation projects. Her research program is sustained by active grants from NIMH, IES, and BU's CTSI, supporting community-engaged projects that address critical gaps in services for individuals with developmental disabilities. These projects emphasize participatory approaches involving families and community stakeholders. She directs the Families & Autism Research Lab, which focuses on developing and evaluating community-based interventions to enhance social participation, transition planning, and family support systems for individuals across the autism spectrum.











