Naomi B. Swiezy, PhD

Bio

Naomi Swiezy, PhD, HSPP is a Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychiatry who served in various roles within the Department of Psychiatry and ultimately founded the HANDS in Autism® Training Model in 2004.

Swiezy founded HANDS in Autism® and the Center bearing its name to facilitate growth of local capacity in effective implementation of evidence-based practices bridging across diverse community settings (e.g., educational, medical, home, and community). The HANDS Model serves to promote a framework, process and full curriculum for meeting people where they are at in need for information and training that is essential to successful outcomes with individuals with autism but also beneficial to individuals with disabilities of all ages and profiles. 

Now retired from her role as Center Director, Dr. Swiezy uses her 30+ years of experience in coaching and mentoring personnel in data-driven practices, developing the Model and leading systems change efforts to continue to support a range of disciplines, organizations and community contexts to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes. She supports individuals with ASD and related disorders to achieve their full potential through her continued leadership and contributions to the field of autism intervention, training, and interdisciplinary collaboration.