Teal Benevides
Professor
Academic Appointment(s)
Administration
Department of Community & Behavioral Health Sciences
School of Public Health
Department of Community & Behavioral Health Sciences
Administration
Department of The Graduate School
Bio
Teal Benevides, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA has a passion for describing, understanding, and addressing disparities among individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Education
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Ph.D., Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Virginia Commonwealth Universi, 2014
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MS, Occupational Therapy/Therapist
Thomas Jefferson University, 2004
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BS, Psychology, General
College of William & Mary, 2002
Certifications
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GA State Licensure
Georgia Professional Licensing Board, 2016
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Registered Occupational Therapist
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, 2005
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OTL
GA Professional Licensing Brd, 2016
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Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND)
Georgia State University, 2016
Awards & Honors
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Dale Richmond/Justin Coleman Award
American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024
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Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association
American Occupational Therapy Association, 2022
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Outstanding Achievement Award
Georgia State University, Center for Leadership in Disability, 2021
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Barbara E. Grant Award of Merit
Georgia Occupational Therapy Association , 2019
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Emerging Research Scientist Award
Augusta University, 2019
Courses Taught Most Recent Academic Year
Teaching Interests
Evidence based practice
Research process
Health disparities
Disability
Scholarship
Selected Recent Publications
- Addressing Behavioral Health Crisis Care and Mental Health Utilization, 2025
Conference Proceeding
- Community-Led Quality Measures to Improve Outcomes for People with IDD, 2025
Conference Proceeding
- Diverse Perspectives on Supporting the Health and Wellness of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- Exploring the Link Between Internet Access and Emergency Department Visits for Mental Health Concerns Among Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2025
Conference Proceeding
- Health Inequities among Autistic Transgender Individuals, 2025
Conference Proceeding
Research Interests
Dr. Benevides aims to understand and improve health and participation outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Her work centers on inclusive, community-engaged research approaches and use of large data to investigate priorities for research identified by those with lived experience.
Department Service
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CBHS, SPH Department Promotion & Tenure Committee
2025 - 2025
Role: Committee Chair
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CBHS, SPH Department P&T Pre-tenure Review Committee
2025 - 2025
Role: Committee Member
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CBHS, SPH Department P&T Pre-Tenure Review Committee
2024 - 2024
Role: Committee Member
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Department of Occupational Therapy Student Progression Committee
2018 - 2018
Role: Committee Chair
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Department Promotion & Tenure Committee
2017 - 2017
Role: Committee Member
College Service
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School of Public Health Faculty Council
2025 - 2026
Role: Committee Member
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School of Public Health Faculty Council
2023 - 2025
Role: Committee Chair
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CAHS Research Council
2020 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
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CAHS Promotion and Tenure Committee
2019 - 2021
Role: Committee Member
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CAHS Research Council
2018 - 2020
Role: Committee Chair
University Service
Professional Service
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American Occupational Therapy Foundation
2024 - Present
Role: Board of Directors of a Company
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American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (STRIDE) Committee
2021 - Present
Role: Committee Member
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Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Scientific Council
2020 - Present
Role: Board of Advisors of a Company
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A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Policy and Analytics Center, Autism and the Criminal Justice System: Policy Brief
2020 - Present
Role: Member
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A.J. Drexel Autism Research Institute/Autism Transitions Research Project
2018 - Present
Role: Other
Public Service
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Autism and Suicide Prevention Workgroup
2022 - Present
Role: Attendee, Meeting
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American Association of Suicidology
2018 - 2022
Role: Attendee, Meeting
