Â鶹´«Ã½ faces a severe shortage of mental health specialists qualified to diagnose and support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, often resulting in long wait times for evaluations and delays in accessing critical services. To help address this growing need, the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa has appointed internationally recognized clinical psychologist and autism researcher Meghan Miller to lead its (CDS).
A leading expert in the early identification of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Miller will strengthen the center’s efforts to train more specialists, expand access to services and support, and advance research that improves outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families.
“Â鶹´«Ã½ has incredible strengths in its communities and its commitment to supporting people with disabilities. At the same time, there is also a growing need for more trained professionals and greater access to services,” said Miller, who was appointed this year. “The Center on Disability Studies is uniquely positioned to bring together research, education and community partnerships to help build that workforce and ensure individuals with disabilities and their families have the support they need throughout their lives.”
The need for that work continues to grow. Autism diagnoses have risen dramatically nationwide—. Miller said expanding Â鶹´«Ã½‘s workforce of trained specialists and increasing access to evidence-based services are critical to advancing CDS‘s mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities and their families across the state.
July also marks and is celebrated worldwide to honor the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990.
Research, training and community impact
CDS was established in 1987 as Â鶹´«Ã½‘s federally funded University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. The center is part of a national network that conducts research, provides professional training and partners with communities to improve opportunities for people with disabilities across the lifespan.
Each year, CDS, which is part of the UH Mānoa , collaborates with state agencies, schools, health care providers and community organizations to provide technical assistance, workforce training and community-based programs. Its initiatives focus on education, early intervention, and employment and community living, serving thousands of individuals and families throughout Â鶹´«Ã½, including Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and other historically underserved communities.
Expert takes CDS helm
Under Miller’s leadership, the center is working to strengthen interdisciplinary research, expand training opportunities for future educators and service providers, and pursue additional external funding to increase Â鶹´«Ã½‘s capacity to meet the growing demand for disability services.
Miller brings nearly two decades of experience in neurodevelopmental disabilities research and practice. Her work has advanced understanding of the earliest signs of autism, developmental trajectories and early intervention, with findings published in leading scientific journals. She has also received national recognition for her research, including honors from the International Society for Autism Research and the Association for Psychological Science.
“Dr. Miller is an exceptional scholar whose research has helped shape our understanding of autism and early childhood development,” said College of Education Dean Nathan Murata. “Just as important, she shares the College of Education’s commitment to turning research into meaningful outcomes for Â鶹´«Ã½ families and communities while strengthening efforts to prepare future educators and service providers.”
UH President Wendy Hensel, who has spoken about the importance of disability inclusion in higher education, brings a personal perspective shaped in part by her experience as a parent and disability rights attorney.
“I know firsthand how critical early diagnosis and access to services can be for children and their families,” Hensel said. “Too many families in Â鶹´«Ã½ face long waits because we simply do not have enough specialists to meet the need. Dr. Miller’s leadership will help UH expand that workforce and improve access to life-changing support. This is exactly what a public university should do, apply its expertise to address Â鶹´«Ã½‘s greatest challenges and improve the lives of the people we serve.”