Rachel Loftin
Visiting faculty, Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesAbout
Titles
Biography
Dr. Rachel Loftin is licensed as a clinical psychologist in Illinois and Connecticut. Her practice is primarily focused on the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of adolescents and adults with neurodevelopmental and social-communication differences, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Loftin’s clinical-research interests include increasing skills for general physicians to see autistic patients, violence assessment and prevention, and sexuality education for people with social challenges. Dr. Loftin consults in civil, criminal and educational legal cases involving people with ASD.
Dr. Loftin received her Ph.D. from Indiana University and completed pre- and post-doctoral clinical psychology training at the Yale Child Study Center, where she specialized in developmental disorders. She is on the editorial board of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and co-edited the Handbook of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Law.
Education & Training
- Fellow in Contextual Behavior Therapy
- University of Chicago (2019)
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Yale School of Medicine (2007)
- Predoctoral Fellow
- Yale School of Medicine (2006)
Research
Research at a Glance
Yale Co-Authors
Publications Timeline
Alexander Westphal, MD, PhD
Andrés S Martin, MD, PhD
Kathleen Koenig, MSN, APRN
Publications
2022
Understanding the Use of the Term “Weaponized Autism” in An Alt-Right Social Media Platform
Welch C, Senman L, Loftin R, Picciolini C, Robison J, Westphal A, Perry B, Nguyen J, Jachyra P, Stevenson S, Aggarwal J, Wijekoon S, Baron-Cohen S, Penner M. Understanding the Use of the Term “Weaponized Autism” in An Alt-Right Social Media Platform. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2022, 53: 4035-4046. PMID: 35947316, PMCID: PMC10499683, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05701-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricVulnerability to Ideologically-Motivated Violence Among Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Woodbury-Smith MR, Loftin R, Westphal A, Volkmar FR. Vulnerability to Ideologically-Motivated Violence Among Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Frontiers In Psychiatry 2022, 13: 873121. PMID: 35401260, PMCID: PMC8990964, DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.873121.Commentaries, Editorials and LettersCitationsAltmetric
2009
Increasing Independence in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review of Three Focused Interventions
Hume K, Loftin R, Lantz J. Increasing Independence in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review of Three Focused Interventions. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2009, 39: 1329-1338. PMID: 19430897, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-009-0751-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsMeSH KeywordsActivities of Daily LivingAttentionAutistic DisorderAwarenessBehavior TherapyCognition DisordersCuesGeneralization, PsychologicalHumansImitative BehaviorPractice, PsychologicalProgrammed Instructions as TopicReinforcement, PsychologySelf CareSocial BehaviorSocial EnvironmentTransfer, PsychologyVideo RecordingConceptsAutism spectrum disorderExecutive function deficitsSpectrum disorderFunction deficitsFeatures of autismIndividual work systemsCore deficitVideo modelingStimulus controlAlternative stimuliAdult supportRelationship developmentWork systemsFocused interventionsIndependent performanceEffective interventionsIndependent demonstrationIntervention strategiesDeficitsAdult managementPoor long-term outcomesAutismDisordersInterventionStimuli
2007
Social Interaction and Repetitive Motor Behaviors
Loftin R, Odom S, Lantz J. Social Interaction and Repetitive Motor Behaviors. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2007, 38: 1124-1135. PMID: 18064552, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-007-0499-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsMeSH Keywords and ConceptsSocial and Communication Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Early Identification, Diagnosis, and Intervention TonyCharmanWendyStoneSocial and Communication Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Early Identification, Diagnosis, and Intervention2006Guilford PressNew York348$42.00 (hardcover).
Loftin R. Social and Communication Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Early Identification, Diagnosis, and Intervention TonyCharmanWendyStoneSocial and Communication Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Early Identification, Diagnosis, and Intervention2006Guilford PressNew York348$42.00 (hardcover). Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2007, 46: 1497-1498. DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000270786.10787.65.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsSocial Engagement With Peers and Stereotypic Behavior of Children With Autism
Lee S, Odom S, Loftin R. Social Engagement With Peers and Stereotypic Behavior of Children With Autism. Journal Of Positive Behavior Interventions 2007, 9: 67-79. DOI: 10.1177/10983007070090020401.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitations
2006
Validity of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised
Lecavalier L, Aman MG, Scahill L, McDougle CJ, McCracken JT, Vitiello B, Tierney E, Arnold LE, Ghuman JK, Loftin RL, Cronin P, Koenig K, Posey DJ, Martin A, Hollway J, Lee LS, Kau AS. Validity of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. American Journal On Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities 2006, 111: 199-215. PMID: 16597187, DOI: 10.1352/0895-8017(2006)111[199:votadi]2.0.co;2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitations
2005
Contextualism and Behavior Analysis
Odom S, Loftin R. Contextualism and Behavior Analysis. 2005 DOI: 10.4135/9781412950534.n3040.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2004
Guiding Children with Autism in Play: Applying the Integrated Play Group Model in School Settings
Lantz J, Nelson J, Loftin R. Guiding Children with Autism in Play: Applying the Integrated Play Group Model in School Settings. Teaching Exceptional Children 2004, 37: 8-14. DOI: 10.1177/004005990403700201.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitations