18JAV

Education

Ph.D. in Education (Special Education), University of Kansas
M.S. in Education (Special Education), University of Kansas
Graduate Certification (Special Education), Central Connecticut State University
B.A. (History), Central Connecticut State University

Selected Publications

LaCava, P. G. (2017, December). RI-UCEDD staff present on Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) work. Submission to the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD) 360 monthly newsletter.

LaCava, P. G., Rosenbaum, C., Gross, J., & Francis, G. L. (2017, November). Changing attitudes and knowledge through Family Employment Awareness Training. Poster presentation, Ohio Center on Autism and Low Incidence Annual Conference (OCALICON), Columbus, OH.

Grattan, A., & LaCava, P. G. (2017, November). Perspectives of early childhood educators on autism. Poster presentation, Ohio Center on Autism and Low Incidence Annual Conference (OCALICON), Columbus, OH.

Paterson, L., LaCava, P., Lamarre, J., & Michaud, A. (2017, November). An inclusive program for students with autism spectrum disorder and challenging behavior. Ohio Center on Autism and Low Incidence Annual Conference (OCALICON), Columbus, OH.

LaCava, P. G. (2017, October). Understanding autism. Invited lecture, at the Catechesis of Children with Special Needs conference, Archdiocese of Hartford, West Hartford, CT.

LaCava, P. G. (2017, October). Strategies for teaching children with autism. Invited lecture, at the Catechesis of Children with Special Needs conference, Archdiocese of Hartford, West Hartford, CT.

LaCava, P. G. (2017, October). Supporting students with autism spectrum disorder. Invited workshop presented at South Elementary School, Bellingham Public Schools, Bellingham, MA

Rosenbaum, C., LaCava, P. G., Gross, J., & Francis, G. L. (2017, June). Changing attitudes and outcomes: Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT). Poster presentation, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Annual Conference, Hartford, CT.

LaCava, P. G. (2017, June). Teaching diverse learners at ZooCamp 2017. Invited lecture, Roger Williams Park Zoo staff training, Providence, RI.

LaCava, P. G. (2017, February). Updates in autism spectrum disorders. Invited lecture, PBIS Training Cohort, Sherlock Center on Disabilities, Providence, RI.

LaCava, P. G. (2016). Understanding and responding to the needs of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. In R. L. Simpson, & B. S. Myles (Eds.), Educating children and youth with autism: Strategies for effective practice, 3rd Edition. Austin, TX: PRO-ED.

LaCava, P. G., Pisapia, K., Audet, K., Friesem, Y., Desormier, K., & Ruise, B. (2016, May). Teaching emotion recognition with the Transporters DVD. Poster presentation, International Meeting for Autism Research, Baltimore, MD.

LaCava, P. G. (2016, April). Using Power Cards to support students with autism and developmental disabilities. Poster presentation, Council for Exceptional Children Convention & Expo, St. Louis, MO.

LaCava, P. G., & Simpson R. L. (2016, February). Evidence-based practices and autism spectrum disorders: Navigating a sea of challenges. Invited Workshop Speaker. Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders, Kansas City, MO.

LaCava, P. G. (2016, January). Power Cards and students with autism: Learning via a strength-based approach. Poster presentation, Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Autism & Developmental Disabilities 17th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities, Honolulu, HI.

LaCava, P. G. & Burrows, J. E. (2014, March). Utilizing Strengths of the ASD Population to Help Achieve Success in the University Community. Invited lecture presented at the Autism Services and Resources Connecticut’s 24th Annual Conference, New Haven, CT.

LaCava, P. G. (2013). Video modeling (online instructional module in the Autism Internet Modules). Columbus, OH: OCALI.

LaCava, P. G., & Furtak, S. (2011, summer). The basics of neuroscience and autism: What you need to know. Part 3. Autism Spectrum Quarterly, 49–52.

LaCava, P. G., Rankin, A., Mahlios, E., Cook, K., & Simpson, R. (2010). A single case design evaluation of a software and tutor intervention to address emotion recognition and social interaction in four boys with ASD. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 14, 161-178.​​​

Courses

SPED 300 Introduction to the Characteristics and Education of Students with Disabilities
SPED 312 Assessment Procedures for Children and Youth With Disabilities
SPED 563 Methods and Curriculum: Autism Spectrum Disorders
SPED 565 Practicum II in Autism
SPED 648 Interpreting and Developing Research in Special Education
ELED/SPED 302 Teaching All Learners: Foundations and Strategies

Additional Information

Specializations
Assessment
Evidence-based Practices
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Positive Behavior Supports