Elise Taverna

Elise is currently a fifth-year PhD student in UConn’s Clinical Psychology program. She is a graduate assistant in Dr. Inge-Marie Eigsti’s lab. Her dissertation will examine profiles of ASD-like behaviors and skills in people with Angelman syndrome and dup15q syndrome. She also works with Dr. Eigsti and Dr. Deb Fein on the Autism Long-term Outcomes Study, a longitudinal study comparing outcomes among autistic youth, youth who no longer meet diagnostic criteria for ASD by adolescence, and neurotypical youth. Elise has completed several external clinical placements, including conducting assessments in a neuropsychology private practice, and providing therapy and assessments to children on a psychiatric inpatient unit. Elise hopes to work as a pediatric neuropsychologist after graduate school, with a focus on children with developmental disorders. While participating in LEND, she hopes to learn more about partnering and advocating with people with developmental disabilities and their families. She enjoys arts and crafts, watching Netflix, and exercising in her free time.