Marisa Salazar, Ph.D.

Dr. Salazar is an Autism Disorders Specialist with the University of Central Florida’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UCF CARD). Her research and training interests are in the area of naturalistic early intervention practices for young children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and her most recent research was in the area of collaborative planning between preschool teachers and parents to provide activity-based intervention for children with autism. She is of Hispanic background, is bilingual, and has an interest in building cultural competence as well as working with families and children who are dual language learners. Prior to working at UCF CARD, she worked for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at Florida Atlantic University. She also worked as an Infant & Toddler Developmental Specialist for Orlando’s division of Florida Early Steps. She has extensive experience in early childhood development and applied behavior analysis. Dr. Salazar also prepares future educators as an Adjunct Professor for UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education.