Teal Benevides
Professor
Teal Benevides
Professor
Academic Appointment(s)
Administration
Department of Community & Behavioral Health Sciences
School of Public Health
Department of Community & Behavioral Health Sciences
Administration
Department of The Graduate School
Bio
Teal Benevides, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA has a passion for describing, understanding, and addressing disparities among individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
- TBENEVIDES@augusta.edu
- (706) 446-0003
- (706) 721-9718
- SCI C3016
- Personal Website
Education
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Ph.D., Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Virginia Commonwealth Universi, 2014
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MS, Occupational Therapy/Therapist Thomas Jefferson University, 2004
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BS, Psychology, General College of William & Mary, 2002
Certifications
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GA State Licensure Georgia Professional Licensing Board, 2016
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Registered Occupational Therapist National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, 2005
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OTL GA Professional Licensing Brd, 2016
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Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Georgia State University, 2016
Awards & Honors
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Dale Richmond/Justin Coleman Award American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024
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Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association American Occupational Therapy Association, 2022
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Outstanding Achievement Award Georgia State University, Center for Leadership in Disability, 2021
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Barbara E. Grant Award of Merit Georgia Occupational Therapy Association , 2019
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Emerging Research Scientist Award Augusta University, 2019
Courses Taught Most Recent Academic Year
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MEDI 6300
Career Paths in Med
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OTHP 6520
Research Seminar II
Teaching Interests
Evidence based practice
Research process
Health disparities
Disability
Scholarship
Selected Recent Publications
- Addressing Behavioral Health Crisis Care and Mental Health Utilization, 2025
Conference Proceeding - Community-Led Quality Measures to Improve Outcomes for People with IDD, 2025
Conference Proceeding - Diverse Perspectives on Supporting the Health and Wellness of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal - Exploring the Link Between Internet Access and Emergency Department Visits for Mental Health Concerns Among Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2025
Conference Proceeding - Health Inequities among Autistic Transgender Individuals, 2025
Conference Proceeding
Research Interests
Dr. Benevides aims to understand and improve health and participation outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Her work centers on inclusive, community-engaged research approaches and use of large data to investigate priorities for research identified by those with lived experience.
Department Service
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CBHS, Ad-hoc Promotion Review Committee 2025 - 2025
Role: Committee Chair
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CBHS, SPH Department Promotion & Tenure Committee 2025 - 2025
Role: Committee Chair
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CBHS, SPH Department P&T Pre-tenure Review Committee 2025 - 2025
Role: Committee Member
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CBHS, SPH Department P&T Pre-Tenure Review Committee 2024 - 2024
Role: Committee Member
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Department of Occupational Therapy Student Progression Committee 2018 - 2018
Role: Committee Chair
College Service
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School of Public Health Faculty Council 2025 - 2026
Role: Committee Member
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School of Public Health Faculty Council 2023 - 2025
Role: Committee Chair
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CAHS Research Council 2020 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
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CAHS Promotion and Tenure Committee 2019 - 2021
Role: Committee Member
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CAHS Research Council 2018 - 2020
Role: Committee Chair
University Service
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Provost's Workload Task Force 2019 - 2021
Role: Committee Member
Professional Service
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Autism Speaks, Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Grant Review Panel 2025 - Present
Role: Reviewer, Grant Proposal
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Drexel University, Grant Consultant 2025 - Present
Role: Other
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Workshop in Implementation Science & Health Services Research Invited Panelist 2025 - Present
Role: Other
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Child and Adolescent Subcommittee, Georgia Behavior Health Reform & Innovation Commission, 2025 - Present
Role: Other
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Invited Grant Reviewer for Discovery & Innovation Grant 2025 - Present
Role: Reviewer, Grant Proposal
Public Service
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Autism and Suicide Prevention Workgroup 2022 - Present
Role: Attendee, Meeting
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American Association of Suicidology 2018 - 2022
Role: Attendee, Meeting