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Autism Acceptance Month: University of Delaware experts available for interviews on inclusive health, education and lifespan support

Meet the Autism Specialists at the University of Delaware leading change

Mar 27, 2026

3 min

As April marks Autism Acceptance Month, journalists looking to move beyond awareness and into meaningful storytelling have access to a diverse group of experts from the University of Delaware.


From innovative health technologies to classroom strategies, mental health support and adulthood transitions, these scholars offer fresh, research-backed perspectives on what it means to support autistic individuals across the lifespan — and why the conversation is evolving.


Reimagining Health Through Technology and Inclusion


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Daehyoung “DH” Lee

Assistant Professor

Dr. Lee is exploring how technology can close health gaps for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His work focuses on mobile health apps and wearable devices — including a gamified intervention designed to improve physical, mental and cognitive health outcomes.



Story angles:

  • How gamification and wearable tech are transforming health outcomes for autistic individuals
  • The future of inclusive digital health tools
  • Addressing disparities in physical activity and wellness


Why Motor Skills Matter in Autism


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Anjana Bhat

Professor

A leading researcher on motor development in autistic children, Dr. Bhat has spent years advancing understanding of how motor challenges impact daily life. She was recently named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow for her contributions to the field and for elevating the role of physical therapy in autism care.



Story angles:

  • The overlooked link between motor skills and autism
  • Why physical therapy should be part of early intervention
  • New research reshaping how clinicians and families approach care


Centering Lived Experience in Education and Development


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Sarah Curtiss

Assistant Professor

Dr. Curtiss examines how to build programs that truly support autistic youth by grounding them in lived experience. Her work spans social development, sexuality education, family dynamics and the transition to adulthood — always with a focus on resilience and real-world context.



Story angles:

  • Rethinking how schools support autistic students beyond academics
  • Conversations around sexuality education and autism
  • What successful transitions to adulthood really require


Preparing Educators for Complex Needs


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Sarah Mallory

Assistant Professor

With expertise spanning the School of Education and the Center for Disabilities Studies, Dr. Mallory focuses on preparing educators to work with students who have significant behavioral and academic needs. Her work also includes empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to make self-protective decisions and navigate complex social situations.


Story angles:

  • Supporting students with intensive needs in today’s classrooms
  • Teaching self-advocacy and safety skills
  • Training the next generation of special education professionals


Mental Health and Systems-Level Support


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Alisha Fletcher

Director, Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism

A licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience, Fletcher leads efforts to support professionals and families across Delaware. Through training and technical assistance, she addresses the mental health and service needs of autistic individuals across settings.




Story angles:

  • The growing demand for autism-informed mental health care
  • Supporting families navigating complex service systems
  • Building statewide networks that improve outcomes


Why This Matters Now


As acceptance grows, so does the need for deeper, more nuanced coverage. Autism is not a single story — it intersects with health care, education, technology, family life and public policy. These experts can help audiences better understand those intersections and highlight solutions that are already making a difference.


To contact any of these experts, please email MediaRelations@UDel.Edu.

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