ASD Researchers at UNC

Director/Department of Allied Health Sciences, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Dr. Nancy Bagatell is the director of the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in the UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Allied Health Sciences.  Dr. Bagatell’s research interests focus on the transition needs of individuals with developmental disabilities; the experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy and their caregivers; intervention to increase community living and integration; and occupation and identify, particularly in marginalized populations.  As an associate professor, Dr. Bagatell teaches a variety of courses for both occupational therapy master’s students and Ph.D. students.  Her current research projects include two studies exploring the transition experiences of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders; a study investigation novel measures to measure community integration for adults with cerebral palsy; and a study exploring the experiences of caregivers of adults with autism spectrum disorder in middle age.  Her research involves interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty from the Division of Physical Therapy, Division of Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, and the TEACCH research lab.