Susan Peterson joins Autism Delaware
Autism Delaware announced Dec. 16 that Susan L. Peterson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is joining the staff of the statewide autism agency. Peterson will step into the agency’s new role of clinical director.
In this capacity, Peterson will oversee a pilot program that offers applied behavior analysis to Delawareans with autism spectrum disorders, work with Autism Delaware’s adult services program, and develop and oversee the implementation of clients’ behavioral plans. Peterson will also provide diagnostic services, functional behavioral analyses, individual education evaluations, consultations with school districts, and parent training on a fee-for-service basis.
A doctoral-level board-certified behavior analyst and Delaware-certified school psychologist, Peterson worked at the Delaware Autism Program before joining Autism Delaware. At DAP, Peterson analyzed instructional methods and behavior management procedures, trained staff and parents within the community, developed new program elements, and honed current procedures. Peterson has also served in a number of capacities at Pyramid Educational Consultants in Newark.
As a senior consultant, Peterson traveled the U.S. and Canada, consulting with families and schools and giving numerous presentations on the picture exchange communication system as well as the Pyramid approach to education. As director of operations, Peterson oversaw U.S. operations, including 12 consulting and five administrative positions; and as a senior consultant in Paris, France, Peterson adapted the PECS presentation for French audiences, co-presented workshops and trained consultants.
During a previous association with Autism Delaware, Peterson completed a national study of best practice services and supports for adults with ASDs, which served as the structural basis for Autism Delaware’s POW&R program. Peterson earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Oregon and currently holds a psychology license in the state of Delaware.
“We are thrilled to get someone of Susan Peterson’s stature and abilities,” said Theda Ellis, executive director at Autism Delaware. “As the pre-eminent autism agency in Delaware, we’re expanding our services and want to do it right. We are looking for the best in the autism field and believe we’ve found it in Susan.”
Autism Delaware is a nonprofit organization made up of individuals with autism, their family members, professionals and friends of people with autism. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The organization’s mission is to create better lives for people and families affected by autism throughout Delaware. With offices in Newark and Milton, Autism Delaware serves the entire state of Delaware. For additional information about Autism Delaware, visit www.delautism.org.
