BIOGRAPHICAL
NAME: Cynthia Rheney Johnson, Ph.D.
BIRTH DATE:
01/13/1961
BIRTH PLACE: Boston, MA
CITIZENSHIP: USA
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
University of Florida
Department of Clinical & Health Psychology
College of Public Health & Health Professions
1225 Center Drive, Room 3130
PO Box 100165
Gainesville, FL 32610
E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
BUSINESS PHONE: (352) 273-6734
BUSINESS FAX: (352) 273-6156
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
UNDERGRADUATE:
1979-1982
College of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
B.S.
Psychology
1982-1985
University of South Carolina
School Psychology
Columbia, South Carolina
M.A.
Richard J. Nagle, Ph.D.
Professor & Director
1987-1989
University of South Carolina
School Psychology
Columbia, South Carolina
Ph.D.
Richard J. Nagle, Ph.D.
Professor & Director
GRADUATE:
POSTGRADUATE:
School Psychology Internship
1984-1985
Richland County
School District II
Columbia, South Carolina
Daniel Cobb, Ed.D
Assistant Director
Special Services
Shirley Vickery, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Internship in Child Psychology
1988-1989
Curriculum Vitae
Children's Village
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Eugene Baker, Ph.D.
Chief Psychologist
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
1
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Child Psychology
1989-1990
The Johns Hopkins
School of Medicine
Behavior Psychology
The Kennedy-Krieger Institute
Michael Cataldo, Ph.D.
Professor & Director
APPOINTMENTS AND POSITIONS
ACADEMIC:
1991-2000
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
Assistant Professor
1994
Carnegie Mellon University
Instructor of Psychology
2000-2008
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics
Department of Psychiatry, Secondary Appt.
Assistant Professor
2008-2014
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics
Department of Psychiatry, Secondary Appt.
Associate Professor
2003-2008
University of Pittsburgh School of Education Assistant Professor
Department of Instruction and Learning
2008-2015
University of Pittsburgh School of Education Associate Professor
Department of Instruction and Learning
1991-1998
John Merck Program
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Program Director
1998- 2000
Autism Research Program
An NICHD Collaborative Program
of Excellence in Autism
Associate Director
2000-2014
Autism Center
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Director
2015 – present
University of Florida
Associate Professor
College of Public Health & Health Professions
Department of Clinical & Health Psychology
COMMUNITY:
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
2
1985-1987
1987-1988
1990 -1991
Richland School District II
Columbia, South Carolina
Richland Memorial Hospital
Columbia, South Carolina
School Psychologist
The Kennedy-Krieger Institute
Baltimore, Maryland
Senior Clinical Specialist
Mental Health Consultant
2015 – present
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE
Psychologist
Florida
1991-2015
Psychologist
1999-present
Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral
Pennsylvania
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS AND AFFILIATIONS
FELLOW – AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AUTISM RESEARCH
ASSOCIATION FOR BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT
PUBLICATIONS
Peer reviewed articles:
1. Hunt, F. M., Johnson, C.R., Owen, G., Omerod, A., & Babbitt, R. (1990). Judgment-based
assessment in an early intervention project. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 10, 111121.
2. Johnson, C.R. & Babbitt, R. (1993). Antecedent manipulation in the treatment of primary solid food
refusal. Behavior Modification, 17, 510-521. DOI: 10.1177/01454455930174006.
3. Johnson, K., Johnson, C.R., & Sahl, R. (1994). A comparison of a behavioral treatment package
and Naltrexone in the treatment of self-injurious behavior. Journal of Developmental and Physical
Disabilities, 6, 193-202.
4. Johnson, C.R., Hunt, F.M., & Siebert, M.J. (1994). Discrimination training in the treatment of pica
and food scavengery. Behavior Modification, 18, 214-229.
5. Johnson, C.R., Handen, B.L., Lubetsky, M.J. & Sacco, K. A. (1994). Efficacy of methylphenidate
and behavioral intervention on classroom behavior in children with ADHD in mental retardation.
Behavior Modification, 18, 470-487. DOI:10.1177/01454455940184005.
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
3
6. Johnson, C.R., Lubetsky, M.J. & Sacco, K. A. (1995). Psychiatric and behavioral disorders in
preschoolers with developmental disabilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 24,
169-182. DOI: 10.1007/BF02178502.
7. Johnson, C.R., Lowengrub, J., & Lubetsky, M.J. (1995). Psychiatric and behavior disorders in
children with seizure disorders and mental retardation. Journal of Developmental and Physical
Disabilities, 7, 243-252.
8. Johnson, C.R., Handen, B.L., Lubetsky, M.J., & Sacco, K.A. (1995). Affective disorders in children
and adolescents with mental retardation. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 16, 221- 231.
DOI.org/10.1016/0891-4222(95)00010-K.
9. Hardan, A., Johnson, K., Johnson, C.R., & Hrecznyj, B. (1996). Risperidone treatment of children
and adolescents with developmental disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry, 35, 1551-1556. DOI.org/10.1097/00004583-199611000-00025.
10. Handen, B.L., Johnson, C.R., Lubetsky, M.J. (2000). Efficacy of methylphenidate among children
with autism and ADHD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30, 245-255.
11. Goldstein, G., Johnson, C.R., & Minshew, N. (2001). Attention processes in autism. Journal of
Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31, 433-440.
12. Williams, S., Johnson, C.R., & Sukhodolsky, D.G. (2005). The Role of the School Psychologist
in the inclusive Education of School-Age Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of
School Psychology, 43, 117-136. DOI.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2005.01.002.
13. Johnson, C.R. & Rakison, D. (2006). Early categorization of animate / inanimate concepts in
young children with autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 18, 73-89
14. Wagner, A. Lecavalier, L., Arnold, E., Aman, M., Scahill, L., Stigler, K., Johnson, C.R., McDougle,
C., Vitiello, B. (2007). The developmental disabilities of the Children’s Global Assessment Scale
(DD-GCAS). Biological Psychiatry, 61, 504-511. DOI.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.01.001.
15. Johnson, C.R. Handen, B.L., Butter, E. , Wagner, A., Mulick, J., Sukhodolsky, D.G., et al.
(2007). Development of a Parent Management Training Program for Children with Pervasive
Developmental Disorders. Behavioral Interventions, 22, 201-221. DOI: 10.1002/bin.237.
16. Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology [RUPP] Autism Network (2007). Pilot trial of
parent management training for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Behavioral
Interventions, 22, 179-199.
17. Johnson, C.R., Handen, B.L.., Mayer-Costa, M., Sacco, K. (2008). Eating habits and dietary
status in young children with autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 20,
437-448. DOI: 10.1007/s10882-008-9111-y.
18. Scahill, L.D., Aman, M.G., McDougle, C.J., Arnold, L.E., McCracken, J., Handen, B.L.. Johnson,
C.R. et al. (2009). Trial design challenges when combining medication and parent training in
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
4
children with pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,
39, 720-729. DOI: 10.1007/s10803-008-0675-2.
19. Johnson, C.R., Butter, E.M., Handen, B.L., Sukhodolsky, D.G., Mulick, J., Lecavalier, L., Aman,
M.G. et al. (2009). Standardized observation analogue procedure (SOAP) for assessing parent and
child behavior in clinical trials. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 34, 1-9.
DOI:10.1080/13668250903074471.
20. Aman, M.G., McDougle, C.J., Scahill, L., Handen, B.L., Arnold, L.E., Johnson, C.R., Stigler, K. et
al. (2009). Medication and parent training in children with pervasive developmental disorders and
serious behavior problems: Results from a clinical trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry, 48, 1143-1154. DOI: 10.1097/CHI.0b013e3181bfd669.
21. Johnson, C.R. , Handen, B.L., Zimmer, M., & Sacco, K. (2010). Polyunsaturated fatty acid
supplementation in young children with autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical
Disabilities, 22, 1-10.
22. Handen, B.L., Johnson, C.R., & McAuliffe-Bellin, S., & Hardan, A. (2010). Safety and efficacy of
donepezil in children and adolescents with autism: Behavioral measures. International Journal of
Child and Adolescent Health, 2, 125-134. DOI: 10.1089/cap.2010.0024.
23. White, S.W., Albano, A.M., Johnson, C.R., Kasari, C., Ollendick, T., Klin, A., Oswald, D. & Scahill,
L. (2010). Treating anxiety and social deficits in high functioning autism: Development of a
cognitive-behavioral intervention program. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 13, 7790. DOI: 10.1007/s10567-009-0062-3
24. Johnson, C.R., Handen, B.L., Zimmer, M., Sacco, K., & Turner, K. (2011). Effect of gluten free /
casein free diet in young children with autism: A pilot study. Journal of Developmental and
Physical Disabilities, 23, 213-225. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10882-010-9217-x.
25. Chowdhury, M., Aman, M.G., Scahill, L., Swiezy, N.B., Arnold, L.E., Lecavalier, L., Johnson,
C.R., Handen, B.L., Stigler, K.A., Bearss, K., Sukhodolsky, D.G., & McDougle, C.J. (2010). The
Home Situations Questionnaire–PDD Version: Factor structure and Psychometric Properties.
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities Research, 54, 281-291. DOI: 10.1111/j.13652788.2010.01259.x.
26. Handen, B.L., Johnson, C.R., McAuliffe-Bellin, S., Murray, P.J. & Hardan, A. (2011). Safety
and efficacy of donepezil in children and adolescents with autism: Neuropsychological
measures. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology 21, 43-50.
DOI: 10.1089/cap.2010.0024.
27. Farmer, C., Lecavalier, L., Yu, S., Arnold., L., McDougle, C., Scahill, L., Handen, B., Johnson,
C., Stigler, K., Bearss, K., Swiezy, N., & Aman, M. (2012). Predictors and moderators of
response to behavioral treatment in children with autism spectrum disorders and serious
behavioral problems. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders ,42(6), 1037-44. DOI:
10.1007/s10803-011-1338-2.
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
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28. Scahill, L., McDougle, C., Aman, M, Johnson, C., Handen, B., Bearss, K., Butter, E., et al.
(2012). Effects of risperidone and parent training on adaptive functioning in children with
pervasive developmental disorders and serious behavioral problems . Journal of the American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,51(2), 136-46. DOI:10.1016/j.jaac.2011.11.010
29. Johnson, C.R., Turner, K., Foldes, E., Malow, B. & Wiggs. L. (2012). Comparison of sleep
questionnaires in the assessment of sleep disturbances in children with autism spectrum
disorders. Sleep Medicine, 13, 795-801. DOI:10.1016/j.sleep.2012.03.005.
30. Hyman, S.L., Stewart, P., Schmidt, B., Cain, U., Lemcke, N., Foley, J., Peck, R., Clemons, T.,
Reynolds, Johnson, C.R. et al. (2012). Nutrient intake from food in children with autism.
Pediatrics, 130, S145-S153. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-0900L.
31. Reynolds, A, Krebs, N., Stewart, P.A., Austin, H., Johnson, S. PhD1, Withrow, N., Molloy, C.,
James, J., Johnson, C.R., et al. (2012). Iron Status in Children with ASD, an ATN/AIR-P
Collaborative Study of Diet and Nutrition in Children with ASD. Pediatrics, 130, S154 -S159.
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-0900M.
32. Turner, K. & Johnson, C.R. (2012). Behavioral interventions to address sleep disturbances in
children with autism spectrum disorders: A review. Topics in early childhood special education,
33, 144-152. DOI:10.1177/0271121412446204.
33. Bearss, K., Johnson, C.R., Handen, B.L., Smith, T., Scahill, L. (2013). A pilot study of parent
training in young children with autism spectrum disorders and disruptive behaviors. Journal of
Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43, 829-840. DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1624-7.
34. White, S. W., Ollendick, T., Albano, A., Oswald, D., Johnson, C.R., Southam-Gerow, M. A., Kim,
I., & Scahill, L. (2013). Randomized controlled trial: Multimodal anxiety and social skill
intervention for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and
Developmental Disorder, 43, 382-394. DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1577-x.
35. Handen, B.L., Johnson, C.R., Butter, E.M., Lecavalier, L., Scahill, L., Aman, M.G., McDougle,
C.J., et al. (2013). Use of a direct observational measure in a trial of risperidone and apparent
training in children with pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Developmental and
Physical Disabilities, 25, 355-37. DOI: 10.007/s10882-012-936-y.
36. Bearss, K., Lecavalier, L., Minshawi, N., Johnson, C.R., Smith, T., Handen, B. et al. (2013).
Toward an exportable parent training program for disruptive behaviors in autism spectrum
disorders. Neuropsychiatry, 3, 169-80.
37. Nurmi, E.L., Spilman,S., Whelan, F., Scahill, L., Aman, M., McDougle, C., Arnold, L.E.,
Handen, B., Johnson, C.R, Sukhodolsky, D.G., Posey, D.J. et al. and the Research Units on
Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network (2013). Moderation of antipsychotic-induced
weight gain by energy balance gene variants in the RUPP Autism Network Risperidone
Studies. Translational Psychiatry, 3(6), e274.
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
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38. Johnson, C.R., Turner, K.S., Foldes, E., Brooks, M.M., Kronk, R. & Wiggs, L. (2013).
Behavioral parent training to address sleep disturbances in young children with autism
spectrum disorder: A pilot trial. Sleep Medicine, 14, 995-1004.
39. Carroll, D., Hallett, V., McDougle, C. J., Aman, M. G., McCracken, J. T., Tierney, E., Arnold,
L.E., Sukhodolsky, D.G., Lecavalier, L., Handen, B., Swiezy, N., Johnson, C., Bearss, K.,
Vitiello, B., & Scahill, L. (2014). Examination of aggression and self-injury in children with
autism spectrum disorders and serious behavioral problems. Child and adolescent psychiatric
clinics of North America, 23(1), 57-72.
40. Johnson, C.R., Turner, K., Stewart, P., Shui, A., Macklin, E., James, J., Johnson, S. Manning
Courtney, P., Hyman, S.L. (2014). Relationship between feeding problems, behavioral
characteristics, and nutritional quality in children with ASD. Journal of Autism and
Developmental Disorders. 44, 2175–2184.
41. Johnson, C.R., DeMand, A., & Foldes, E. Relationships between anxiety and sleep and feeding
in Young Children with ASD (in press). Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities.
42. Bearss, K., Johnson, C.R., Smith, T., Lecavalier, L., Swiezy, N, Aman, M., McAdam,
D….Scahill, L. (2015). Effect of parent training vs parent education on behavioral problems in
children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Medical Association, 313,
1524-1533.
43. Johnson, C.R., Foldes, E., DeMand, A. & Brooks, M.M. (2015). Behavioral parent training to
address feeding problems in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Developmental
and Physical Disabilities, 27, 591–607DOI 10.1007/s10882-015-9437
44. Stewart, P.A., Hyman, S.L., Schmidt, B.L., Macklin, E., Reynolds, A., Johnson, C.R., James,
S.J. & Manning-Courtney, P. (2015). Dietary supplementation in children with autism spectrum
disorders: Common, insufficient and excessive. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics, 115. 127-1248.
45. Chowdury, M., Aman, M.G., Lecavalier, L Smith, T, Johnson, C., Swiezy, N., McCracken,
J….Scahill, L. (2015). Factor structure and psychometric properties on the revised Home
Situations Questionnaire for autism spectrum disorder: The Homes Situations QuestonnaireAutism Spectrum Disorder. Autism, doi: 10.1177/1362361315593941.
46. DeMand, A., Johnson, C.R., & Foldes, E. (2015). Psychometric properties of the Brief Autism
Mealtime Behaviors Inventory. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45, 2667-2673.
47. Johnson, C.R., DeMand, A., Lecavalier, L., Smith, T., Aman, M.G., Foldes, E., & Scahill, L.
(2016). Psychometric properties of the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire in children with
autism spectrum disorder. Sleep Medicine, 20, 5-11. Doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2015.12.005
BOOK CHAPTERS:
1. Johnson, C.R. (1995). Specific developmental disorders. In M. Hersen & R. Ammerman (Eds.).
Advances in abnormal child psychology (pp.319-332). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
2. Johnson, C.R. (1995). Unit structure and behavioral programming. In R. Ammerman & M. Hersen
(Eds.). Handbook of child behavior therapy in the psychiatric setting (pp. 133-149). New York:
Wiley- Interscience.
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
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3. Johnson, C.R. (1996). Sleep disorders in autistic and MR children. In R.E. Dahl (Ed). Child and
adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America, 5, 673-683.
4. Johnson, C.R. (1998). Mental retardation. In V.B. Van Hasselt & M. Hersen (Eds). Handbook
of psychological treatment protocols for children and adolescents (pp. 17-46). Mahwah, NJ:
Lawrence Erlbaum.
5. Johnson, C.R. & Slomka, G. (2000). Learning, communication, and motor disorders. In M. Hersen
& R. Ammerman (Eds.). Advances in abnormal child psychology (2nd Ed) (pp. 371-385). Hillsdale,
NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
6. Minshew, N., Johnson, C.R., & Luna, B. (2000). The cognitive and neural basis of autism: A
disorder of complex information processing and dysfunction of neocortical systems. In L.M. Glidden
(Ed.) International review of research in mental retardation (pp. 111-138). New York: Academic
Press.
7. Johnson, C.R. (2002). Mental retardation. In M. Hersen (Ed.), Clinical behavior therapy: Adults
and children (pp. 420-433). New York: John Wiley & Sons.
8. Johnson, C.R. (2002). Functional communication training. In M. Hersen & W. Sledge (Eds),
Encyclopedia of psychotherapy (Volume 1) (pp 847-852). New York, NY: Academic Press.
9. Pettegrew, J.W., Keshavan, M., Stanley, J., McClure, R.J., Johnson, C.R., & Panchalingam, K.
(2003). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the assessment of phospholipid metabolism in
schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorder. In Phospholipid spectrum disorder in psychiatry and
neurology (2nd Ed). Carnforth: Marius Press.
10. Johnson, C.R. (2010). Autism spectrum disorders. In J. Thomas & M. Hersen (Eds).
Handbook of clinical psychology competencies: Volume III: Intervention and treatment for
children and adolescents (pp 1275-1300). New York: Springer
11. Handen, B.H., Johnson, C.R. & Kielar, K. (2011). Sleep, toileting and feeding interventions
(pp. 193-217). In M. Lubetsky (Ed.), Autism Handbook. New York, NY: Oxford Press.
12. Johnson, C.R. & Hassenfeldt, T. (2012). Pica. In F. Volkmar (Ed). Encyclopedia of autism
spectrum disorders. New York: Springer.
13. Johnson, C.R., Taylor, J. & Bearss, K. (2012). Parent training. In F. Volkmar (Ed).
Encyclopedia of autism spectrum disorders. New York: Springer.
14. Turner, K.S., Pletcher, J.R., & Johnson, C.R. (2012). Autism spectrum disorders in
adolescence. In R.J.R. Levesque, (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Adolescence.
15. Handen BL, Johnson, CR, McAuliffe-Bellin SM, Hardan AO. Safety and efficacy of donepezil in
children and adolescents with autism: Behavioral measures. In Understanding Autism Spectrum
Disorder: Current Research Aspects. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. (in press).
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
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PROCEEDINGS AT NATIONAL CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIA:
1. Hunt, F.M., Babbitt, R., Johnson, C., Omerod, A., & Owen, G. (1990, May). Onset and prevalence
of behavior problems among handicapped and at risk preschoolers. Presented at The Association
for Behavior Analysis Convention, Nashville, TN.
2. Johnson, C.R., Babbitt, R., Cataldo, M.F., Dorsey, M. (1991). Establishing spoon feeding via
antecedent manipulation in treatment of primary solid food refusal. Presented at The Association
for Behavior Analysis Convention, Atlanta, GA.
3. Hunt, F.M., Owen, G., Johnson, C.R., Omerod, A., & Suter, A. (1992, May). Pica in children with
plumbism (Lead Poisoning): A model for assessing behavior, relevant parent/family variables and
eccological factors. Presented at the Infant Clinical Studies Conference, Miami, FL.
4. Hunt, F.M., Johnson, C.R., Owen, G. (1992, May). Behavior problems in young special-needs
children: A retrospective, descriptive study of 305 clinic-referred children. Presented at the
Association for Behavior Analysis, San Francisco, CA.
5. Birk, D. & Johnson, C.R. (1992, August). Assessing nurses' acceptability of treatments for nursing
home residents. Presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, Washington,
D.C.
6. Lubetsky, M.J., Johnson, C.R., Lowengrub, J. (1993, June). Pharmacological treatment
alternatives for children with MR & psychiatric/behavior disorders. Presented at American
Association on Mental Retardation Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.
7. Lubetsky, M.J., Johnson, C.R., Handen, B.L., Sacco, K. (1994, June). Efficacy of methylphenidate
and behavioral intervention in Children with Mental Retardation and Autistic Disorder. Presented at
the American Association on Mental Retardation Annual Meeting.
8. Johnson, C.R. (1994, May). Behavioral and psychiatric disorders in preschoolers with
developmental disorders: Characteristics and treatment outcome. Presented at the Association for
Applied Behavior Analysis Annual Conference.
9. Handen, B. & Johnson, C.R. (2003, July). Assessing innovative treatments in autism. Presented
at the Autism Society of America National Conference.
10. Johnson, C.R., Rakison, D. Handen, B., & Hardan, A. (2003, October). Updates in autism
research. Presented at Society of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics Annual Conference,
Pittsburgh, PA
11. Handen, B., Johnson, C.R., & Mulick, J. (2004, May). Assessing innovative treatments in
autism. Present at the 30th Annual Applied Behavior Analysis Conference, Boston, MA
12. Pearson, D.A., Loveland, K.A., Lachar, D., Lane, D.M., Handen, B.L., Johnson,
C.R., Reddoch, S.L., Mansour, R., & Cleveland, S.L. (2005, May). A comparison of behavioral
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
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and emotional functioning in children with Autistic Disorder and PDD-NOS. Paper presented to
the International Meeting for Autism Research, Boston, MA,
13. Hardan, A., Johnson, C.R., Handen, B.L. (2006, May). Preliminary findings from a double-blind
placebo-controlled study of donepezil In Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Presented at the
American Psychiatry Association Annual Conference.
14. Handen, B.L., Johnson, C.R., & Hardan, A. (2006, May). Innovative treatment in autism.
Presented tat the International Meeting for Autism Research, Montreal, Canada.
15. Johnson, C.R. (2006, August). Development of parent management training in PDD.
Symposium at Annual Convention of American Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA.
16. Rakison, D., Johnson, C.R., Cicchino, J., & Sacco, K. (2008, May). Theory of mind precursor
deficit in young children with autism. Presented to the International Society for Autism Research,
London, UK.
17. Johnson, C.R. (2009, November). Development of the parent training program for children with
PDD and disruptive behaviors. Symposium at the Annual Convention of the Association for
Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, New York, NY.
18. Johnson, C.R., Handen, B.L., Dahl, R., Sacco, K. & Turner, K.L. (2010, May). Pilot testing of a
sleep training program for children with autism spectrum disorders. Presented to the International
Society for Autism Research, Philadelphia, PA.
19. Butter, E., Johnson, C.R., Handen, B.L. (2010, May). Development and implementation of the
RUPP Parent Training Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Presented to the
International Society for Autism Research, Philadelphia, PA.
20. Farmer, C., Lecavalier, L., Yu, S., Arnold, L., McDougle, C., Scahill, L., Handen, B., Johnson,
C., & Aman, M. (2011, May). Predictors and Moderators of Parent Training for Children with
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Serious Behavioral Problems. Presented at the International
Meeting for Autism Research, San Diego, California.
21. James, S.J.; Pauly, M., Melnyk, S, Stewart, P, Schmidt, B., Lemcke, N., Reynolds, A., Malloy, C.,
Johnson, C. et al. (2011, May). Dietary choline intake by children with autism is below the
recommended Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) established by the IOM. Presented at the
International Meeting for Autism Research, San Diego, California.
22. Reynolds, A., Molloy, C., James, J. Johnson, C., Clemons, T. & Hyman, S. (2011, May) Iron
status in children with ASD.Presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, San
Diego, California.
23. Johnson, C.R., Smith, T & Hyman, S.L. (2015, May). Parent training for feeding problems in
young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In E.S. Kuschner (chair), You want me to eat
what? Novel treatment approaches for food selectivity and feeding problems in children with
Autism Spectrum Disorder. Symposium conducted at the International Meeting on Autism
Research, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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24. Johnson, C.R. (2015 August). Parent training and parent psychoeducation: Development and
essential ingredients. In K. Bearss (Chair), Parent training for children with autism spectrum
disorder and disruptive behavior. Symposium conducted at the American Psychological
Association Annual Convention, Toronto, CA.
25. Burrell, L., Bearss, K., Minshawi-Patterson, N., Johnson, C., Lecavalier, L., Smith, T. et al.
(2015, May). Descriptive assessment of problem behavior in a large scale randomized trial in
young children with autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the International Meeting for Autism
Research, Salt Lake City, Utah.
26. Chowdhury, M., Aman, M.G., Lecavalier, L., Smith, T., Johnson, C. et al. (2015, May). Factor
structure and psychometric properties of the revised home situations questionnaire for autism
spectrum disorder. Presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Salt Lake City,
Utah.
REGIONAL CONFERENCES
1. Jennings, K. & Johnson, C.R. Course Directors (1996, May). Emotional and behavioral problems
in very young children: Identification and treatment. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,
Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences.
2. Johnson, C.R. & Stagg, V. Course Directors (1997, May). Mental health services for day care and
other providers. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Center for Continuing Education in the
Health Sciences.
3. Johnson, C.R. & Stagg, V. Course Directors (1998, March). Mental health and behavioral
interventions with toddlers and preschoolers. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Center
for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences.
4. Stagg, V. & Johnson, C.R. Course Directors (1998, October). Early childhood mental health:
Current issues, services, and interventions. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Center for
Continuing Education in the Health Sciences.
5. Minshew, N. & Johnson, C.R. (1999, April). Autism: The state of the art and science. University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences.
6. Johnson, C.R. (1999, June). Behavior intervention strategies for young children with
developmental delays. Strategies for Success 6th Annual Conference, Allegheny Intermediate Unit,
Pittsburgh, PA.
7. Johnson, C.R. (2002, May). Social intervention strategies for young children with autism. John
Merck 25th Anniversary. Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center.
8. Johnson, C.R. (2005, February). Behavioral intervention for children with autism. Advisory Board
on Autism and Related Disorders Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
11
9. Johnson, C.R. (2005, November). Early emerging features in young children with autism. John
Merck Anniversary. Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
10. Johnson, C.R. & Handen, B. H. (2010, March). Engaging parents: Parent Training Model.
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
11. Johnson, C.R. (2011, April). Treatment of associated behaviors in young children with autism.
Autism Across the Life Span Conference, Autism Speaks, Pittsburgh, PA.
12. Johnson, C.R. (2012, April). Treatment of disruptive behaviors, sleep problems and feeding
problems in young children with autism. Across the Life Span Conference, Autism Speaks,
Pittsburgh, PA
GRAND ROUNDS
1. Johnson, C.R. (2002, March). Early cognitive processes and neural characteristics of young
children with autism. Department of Psychology. Children’s National Medical Center. Washington,
DC.
2. Johnson, C.R. (2005, February). Early cognitive processes in young children with autism.
Department of Neuropsychiatry. University of South Carolina Medical School, Columbia, SC.
3. Johnson, C.R. (2008, April). Early emerging features in autism. Washington Hospital,
Washington, PA.
4. Johnson, C.R. (2011, January). Treatment of challenging behaviors in young children with autism.
Department of Pediatrics. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, PA.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
TEACHING:
Program Development
1. University of Pittsburgh Applied Behavior Analysis Program – This graduate level program in the
School of Education includes a series of 6 graduate level courses. Successful completion of these
courses allows graduate students to apply for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
This coursework is the cornerstone of training for clinicians / interventionist providing systematic
behavioral treatments to children with autism.
2. University of Pittsburgh Autism Specialization in Early Childhood Special Education Program –
This graduate level program in the School of Education involves an enhanced level of coursework
and practicum experiences for early childhood special educators.
Course Development
(University of Pittsburgh)
1. Applied Behavior Analysis: Fundamentals II
2. Applied Behavior Analysis III: Clinical Applications in Developmental Disabilities
3. Advanced Seminars in Applied Behavior Analysis
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
12
(University of Florida)
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder & Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Characterization & Treatment
(undergraduate)
2. Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders (graduate –
Fall, 2016).
Other Coursework
1. Introduction to Clinical Psychology – Carnegie Mellon University
Lectures and Seminars
1. Crisis Prevention and Crisis Management, 1991 to 2000.
2. Behavioral Aspects and Treatment in Children with Autistic Disorder, Autism Conference, John
Merck Multiple Disabilities Program, WPIC at UPMC, May, 1993.
3. John Merck Multiple Disabilities Program, Resident Lectures and Staff In-services, 1991 1998.
4. Developmental Disabilities: Behavior Management Strategies, Staff Development Program, WPIC
at UPMC.
5. Typical Behavior Problems in Toddlers and Preschoolers, Normal Child Development Seminar,
Residency Training, 1994 - 2000.
6. Parent Training, Residency Training, 1996 - 2000.
7. Behavior Assessment and Intervention for Children with Developmental Disabilities, Residency
Training, 1994 - 2000.
8. Complementary Treatments in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Residency Training, 2008.
9. Early Detection and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pediatric Residency
Training, 2011-2014
Dissertation Committee
Member - Kane, S. (1995). Functional communication training for toddlers with behavior problems:
Assessment and intervention in natural settings.
Dissertation submitted to Department of
Communication Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Co-Chair - Turner, K. (2012). Follow-up Study: Parent Knowledge of Behavioral Principles Following
Training in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dissertation proposal submitted to
Department of Instruction and Learning, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
PA.
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
13
Graduate Supervision
(University of Pittsburgh)
Department of Psychiatry
Child Psychiatry Residents - 25
Postdoctoral Fellows - 3
Predoctoral Interns - 8
Department of Pediatrics
Doctoral Level Students – 20
Masters Level Students – 15
Department of Instruction & Learning / School of Education
Doctoral Level Students – 2
Masters Level Students – 15
(University of Florida)
Master’s Theses Committee – 5
Doctoral Dissertation – 3
Doctoral Mentoring – 1
Honor Student Mentoring - 2
RESEARCH & TRAINING GRANTS:
Grant Activity
Number
R34MH100253
Title
Curriculum Vitae
Years
Source
Amount
Direct Costs
Health
Dept, FL
$1,000,0000
Cannabidiol Treatment
of Refractory Epilepsy
Coinvestigator
18%
20152018
Treatment of Feeding
Problems in Children
with Autism
Principal
Investigator
37.5%
20132016
NIMH
$450,000
Treatment of Feeding
Problems in Young
Children with Autism
Principal
Investigator
20122014
Children’s
Hospital of
Pittsburgh
$53,400
Co-Principal
Investigator
5%
20112014
Autism
Speaks
$420,000
Principal
Investigator
40%
20102015
NIMH
$750,000
Autism Treatment
Network
R01MH080965
Role
Randomized Trial of
Parent Training for
Young Children with
Autism
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
14
R34 MH082822
Treatment of Sleep
Disturbance in Young
Children with Autism
Principal
Investigator
40%
20092012
NIMH
$500,000
HRSA
Autism Intervention
Research Network –
Physical Health
Site
Principal
Investigator
5%
20092012
MCHB
$4,000,000
HRSA
LEND Program at the Co-Director
University of Pittsburgh
Autism
Expansion
5%
20092014
MCHB
$456,493
R03
Precursors of Theory of
Mind in Young Children
with Autism
CoInvestigator
4%
20082010
NICHD
$100,000
Autism Service,
Education, Research
and Training (ASERT)
CoInvestigator
15%
20082010
PA Dept. of
Public
Welfare
$30,000
Autism Treatment
Network
Co-Principal
Investigator
15%
20082011
Autism
Speaks
$420,000
K01
A Cognitive-Behavioral
Intervention for Children
with Autism Spectrum
Disorders
Consultant
20072012
NIMH
UR1Pro24139
Development of a
Manualized
PT program for Young
Children with Autism
Consultant
20072010
NCRRR
$237,000
Autism Specialization in
Early Intervention
CoInvestigator
12%
20052009
US Dept. of
Education
$800,000
Safety & Efficacy of
Complementary and
Alternative Medicine
Treatments for Young
Children with Autism
Principal
Investigator
35%
20042007
Emmerling
Foundation
$200,000
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
15
CoInvestigator
12% (2%
extension)
20022007
NIMH
CoInvestigator
12% (2%
extension)
20022007
NIMH
$1,750,000
Yale RUPP-PI Project
(Scahill) Multisite study
comparing Risperidone
& Risperidone +
structure behavior
therapy
CoInvestigator
12% (2%
extension)
20022007
NIMH
$1,750,000
Donepezil HCL
Treatment in Autism
CoPrincipal
Investigator
10%
Principal
Investigator
20012004
NIMH
$400,000
2001
Research
Committee,
Children’s
Hospital of
Pittsburgh
$10,000
Assessment and
Treatment of the
Cognitive Basis of
Behavior Impairment in
Autism
Principal
Investigator
20002002
National
Alliance
for Autism
Research
$40,218
PO1 35469
Neurobiologic and
Cognitive Mechanisms of
Autism
CoInvestigator
50% (19992000)
19972002
NICHD
$7,247,803
RO1 33355
Cortex and Complex
Information Processing in
Autism
CoInvestigator
50% (19992000)
19952000
NINDS
$3,266,161
MH066768
OSU RUPP-PI Project
(Aman) Multisite study
comparing Risperidone
& Risperidone +
structure behavior
therapy
MH066766
Indiana RUPP-PI
Project (McDougle)
Multisite study
comparing Risperidone
& Risperidone +
structure behavior
therapy
MH66764
R21MH064941
Assessment of the
Cognitive Basis of
Dysfunctional Behavior
in Young Children with
Autism
Curriculum Vitae
$1,750,000
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
16
OTHER RESEARCH RELATED ACTIVITIES
1. Editorial Board, Journal of Physical and Developmental Disabilities
2. Guest Reviewer, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorder
3. Guest Reviewer, Behavior Modification
4. Guest Reviewer, Clinical Psychology Review
5. Guest Reviewer, School Psychology Review
6. Guest Reviewer, Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities
7. Guest Reviewer, Sleep
8. Guest Reviewer, Autism
9. Guest Reviewer, Sleep Medicine
10. Guest Reviewer, Pediatrics
11. Guest Reviewer, Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
12. Guest Reviewer, Autism Research and Treatment
13. Guest Reviewer, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
14. Grant Reviewer, National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research/Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
15. Reviewer, Research Committee, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Research Committee
16. Committee Member, NIMH Psychosocial Intervention for Autism Work Group; School-age children
subcommittee.
17. Grant Reviewer, Temporary Member, National Institute of Mental Health. Interventions Committee
for Disorders Involving Children and their Families
18. Grant Reviewer, Special Panel, National Institute of Mental Health, Identification and
Characterization of Sensitive Periods for Neurodevelopment in Studies of Mental Illness
19. Grant Reviewer, Special Panel, National Institute of Mental Health, American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act, Autism Research.
Curriculum Vitae
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
17
20. Grant Reviewer, Temporary Member, National Institute of Health, Child Psychopathology and
Developmental Disabilities.
21. Grant reviewer, Temporary Member, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development,
Autism Centers of Excellence.
22. Grant Reviewer, Department of Defense, Autism Programs
SERVICE
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:
1991-1998
1998- 2000
2000- 2014
Program Director, John Merck Program - Inpatient Unit,
After School Partial Program, Early Childhood Services
Program - development and evaluation, supervision.
Associate Director, Administrative Core, Program Project, an NICHD Collaborative
Program of Excellence in Autism
Director, Autism Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh – clinical
supervision, development, evaluation, training, and outreach
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES:
Department of Psychiatry (University of Pittsburgh)
1991-1998
Steering Committee for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
1994-1998
Early Childhood Consortium, Planning Committee
1995-1998
Partial Program Development Committee
COMMUNITY
2001-2014
Professional Advisory Member, Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders
2016 Community Autism Board
CONSULTANTSHIPS AND CONTRACTUAL TRAINING AGREEMENTS:
1990-1991
1995-2000
1997-1999
1997-1998
1997-1998
1998
1999-2004
Curriculum Vitae
Anne Arundel School District, Maryland
Education Center, Watson Institute
Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Project DART
Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Autism Program, Easter Seals Early Intervention
and Preschool Programs
The Early Learning Institute
Auberle Shelter Programs, Allegheny Children’s Initiative
Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind
Cynthia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
18