Leyla Fanning Tacoaman

Expertise

Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Research Interests

My primary research interest lies in the acquisition of verbal behavior, with a particular focus on linguistically diverse learners with or without developmental disabilities. Complementing these interests is my dedication to promoting compassionate, nurturing environments through staff and parent training research.

Education

• M.S.: Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell, United States
  Thesis: Video Modeling with Embedded Voice-over Instructions to Teach Pairing Procedures (advisor: Dr. Rocio Rosales)
• B.A.:Professional Degree in Clinical Psychology, San Francisco University of Quito, Ecuador

Biosketch

Leyla is a Licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Her research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the verbal behavior of individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. From a practical standpoint, she seeks to help guide behavior analysts and other related practitioners to develop suitable interventions and improve services to better reflect the needs of diverse populations. Her long-term goal is to return to her native country to collaborate with community organizations and healthcare institutions to improve the quality of services and the overall well-being of the autistic community in Ecuador.

Selected Awards and Honors

• Outstanding Student Award (2022), University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Student Research Symposium (2022) Graduate Winner, University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Magma Cum Laude Honor Degree (2019), San Francisco University of Quito

Selected Publications

Fanning Tacoaman, G. L., Rosales, R., & Shvarts, S. (2024). Evaluation of a training package to teach pairing procedures. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.1097

Selected Presentations

• Rosales, R., & Fanning, G.L. (September, 2024). Support for children with autism spectrum disorders in childcare settings. ACRE Family Childcare, Lowell, MA.
• Fanning, G.L., Rosales, R., & Shvarts, S. (May, 2023). Video Modeling with Embedded Voice-over Instructions to Teach Pairing Procedures. Panel Discussion presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International 49th annual convention, Denver, CO.
• Fanning, G.L., Rosales, R., & Shvarts, S. (2022, October). An Evaluation of Video Modeling with Embedded and Voice-over Instructions to Teach Pairing Procedures. Poster presented at the 43rd BABAT Annual Conference. Worcester, MA.
• Fanning, G.L. Merritt, E & Gordis, E. (April 2020). “Exploring Physical and Psychological Abuse in Childhood and Their Interactions Between Gender and Violence Approval”. Poster presented at the SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference, New York.
• Fanning, G.L., Flagg, A., Lin, B. (April 2020). “Links between Discrimination and Anxiety in Ethnic Minority and White Female College Students” (Conference workshop) Poster presented at the 17th Annual Conference, University at Albany, NY, United States.
• Fanning, G. L. (December 2019). Resilience Building among Latina College Women in U.S. Facing Anxiety, Discrimination, and Abuse. Poster presented for the Latino American Caribbean Studies (LACS) Student Research Symposium. University at Albany, New York.