Fernanda T. Orsati PhD

Fernanda T. Orsati is currently an Associate Clinical Researcher at the Hussman Institute for Autism in Maryland. She works in developing research and supports around behavior and communication for individuals with autism.

She earned her Ph.D. in Special Education at Syracuse University researching the association of challenging behaviors and teacher supports in kindergarten. Fernanda worked as graduate assistant for the Institute on Communication and Inclusion providing communication to students and adults with developmental disabilities. Fernanda has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology and Developmental Disabilities from Brazil, where she is originally from.

She is interested in the construction of behavior disabilities for young children in schools; especially the intersection between behavior, communication, race and culture. Fernanda’s work as a consultant also includes advocacy, dynamic assessment, and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC).