简介

Robert Koegel is a Professor in the Department of Education and the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology. He teaches courses in the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology and in the Special Education, Disabilities and Risk Studies research focus area. His primary teaching is in the area of childhood autism, experimental designs suited for clinical intervention research, and principles of behavior management for psychologists. Dr. Koegel is also the Director of the UCSB Koegel Autism Center, a national center for clinical, home, and school intervention research. Some of the research projects that have resulted in significant gains for individuals with autism include development of treatment techniques focused on “pivotal behaviors” such as improved communication, self-management, and motivation, so that such individuals can reach their full potential, experience maximal community and school integration, and enhance the overall quality of their lives, and the lives of their family. The center provides research and clinical services for children with autism, their families, and schools. Graduate and undergraduate students participate directly in these activities as part of supervised practicum experiences, and as part of their research. The center is funded by a number of sources, including the state of California, federal research and training grants from the National Institute of Mental Health and the United States Department of Education, and private donations. Dr. Koegel’s Bachelor’s degree was awarded in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison; his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees were awarded in developmental and clinical psychology from UCLA. His advisor was Dr. Ivar Lovaas, who first interested him in the treatment of children with autism. Since coming to UCSB, Dr. Koegel has focused his research on the identification of pivotal behaviors that result in efficient, intensive interventions for individuals with autism. These interventions do not rely on aversives (previously used frequently with this population), and promote intervention in least restrictive environments in school, home and community settings. He is the Editor of the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions. The Journal has the following major missions: to meaningfully translate research to practice; to report successful and replicable demonstrations in family, school, and community environments; and to report significant empirical advances in intervention development.