Kate LaLonde

Dr. Kate LaLonde is a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Assistant Professor in Special Education at Western Michigan University. She is an expert in developing behavioral therapy programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, with specific expertise in teaching early language skills to young children. She obtained her PhD at Western Michigan University with Dr. Alan Poling. Her dissertation work used behavioral intervention to increase physical activity in adults with autism spectrum disorder. After graduation she was an assistant professor at Michigan State University (MSU) and the Clinical Director of the Early Learning Institute. At MSU she taught Master’s level ABA courses and was responsible for the assessment and treatment of children enrolled in an early intensive behavior intervention center. Currently her research focuses on teaching special education teachers how to incorporate evidence-based practices in the classroom setting and teaching language skills to young children with autism. Specifically, her research aims to teach language skills using naturalistic behavioral interventions and developing interventions that lead to emergent learning and that can be implemented in group settings and during functional routines.