Sandra Vanegas, Ph.D.

Dr. Sandra B. Vanegas is a Research Associate Professor at the School of Social Work and Director of Research at the Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. She also serves as the Clinical Training Director for the Autism Consortium of Texas LEND program. Her interdisciplinary work bridges developmental psychology, social work, and disability studies, with a focus on culturally informed research and interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dr. Vanegas earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Statistics from Loyola University Chicago, where she investigated cognitive processing styles in children with autism. She holds an M.S. in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas and dual B.A. degrees in Psychology and Comparative Literature from the University of Rochester.

Her research portfolio includes numerous federally funded research projects addressing disparities in autism diagnosis, healthcare transition readiness, and culturally tailored interventions for underserved populations. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to multiple book chapters on intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Her service to the profession includes leadership roles in national organizations such as the International Society for Autism Research, where she co-chaired the Cultural Diversity Committee and led the Improving Global Autism Research for Multilingual Communities Special Interest Group. She is also a member of editorial boards, advisory committees, and community-based initiatives focused on equity and inclusion in disability research and services.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Vanegas is committed to advancing health equity and improving developmental outcomes for children and families from underserved communities through research, education, and advocacy.