Rachel Loftin, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and school psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Loftin specializes in diagnostic evaluations, consultation, and intervention for children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder. She has an extensive background in educational, behavioral, and social intervention approaches for individuals with autism, Asperger Syndrome, and nonverbal learning disability.

Dr. Loftin received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Indiana University and completed fellowship training in clinical child psychology at the Yale Child Study Center, where she was mentored by Dr. Ami Klin. Before earning her doctorate, Dr. Loftin worked in schools and home with children with autism, including autism/behavior consulting for the Los Angeles Public School System.

Dr. Loftin’s current research interests include social skills interventions, collateral behavior change, and diagnostic assessment in autism.

Loftin, R.L., Odom, S.L., & Lantz, J.F. (2008). Social interaction and repetitive motor behavior. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 1124 – 1135.

Lee, S., Odom, S.L., & Loftin, R.L. (2007). Stereotypic behavior and social isolation in autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, 9, 67 – 79.

Lecavalier, L., Aman, M., Scahill, L. McDougle, C. , McCracken, J., Vitiello, B, Tierney, E., Arnold, L. E., Jaswinder K. G., Loftin, R., Koenig., K. , Posey, D.J., Martin, A., Holloway, J., Lee, L., Kau, A. S. M. (2006). The validity of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 11, 199-215.

Odom, S.L. & Loftin, R.L. (2005). Contextualism and behavior analysis. In G. Sugai and R. Horner (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Behavior Modification and Therapy, Volume III: Educational Approaches.

Lantz, J.F., Nelson, J., & Loftin, R.L. (2004). An integrated playgroup for children with autism spectrum disorders. Teaching Exceptional Children, 37, 8-14.

Loftin, R.L. & Lantz, J. (2003). Cognitive assessment and students with autism spectrum disorder. The School Psychologist, 57, 105-109.