I have a passion for improving the lives of children and youth, and this passion has guided me towards research focused on understanding the strengths and complexities that exist in neurodevelopmentally diverse populations and informing supports for vulnerable populations. My research primarily revolves around developing and understanding evidence-based treatments and practices to support individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and their families. More broadly, my research interests include neurodevelopmental disabilities, intervention research, self-regulation, and achievement motivation. I identify as a scientist-practitioner, and this stance fuels my ambition to increase communication between scientists and practitioners. At the core of all my work is a biopsychosocial approach to understanding and helping children, youth, adults, and families.
My advice to those applying to graduate/clinical programs is to talk to as many people as you can who are already in the programs you are interested in or people who have experience doing the things that you want to do (ex. practicing psychologists). It is the best way to learn what the program and field is really like. Don't be shy to talk to people! It will be so helpful when you are making decisions about programs, putting together your applications, and preparing for your next steps.
Flannigan K, Kapasi, A, Pei J, Murdoch I, Andrew G, & Rasmussen C. (2020, in press). Characterizing adverse childhood experiences among children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Child Abuse & Neglect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104888
Kapasi, A., Pei, J., Kryska, K., Joly, V., Thompson-Hodgetts, S., McLachlan, K., Gill, K., Andrew, G., & Rasmussen, C. (2020). Exploring self-regulation strategy use in adolescents with FASD. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2020.1822260
Kapasi, A., Makela, M., Joly, V., Flannigan, K., & Pei, J. (2019). Understanding employment success in adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 51(3), 377-393. https://worksupport.com/research/documents/pdf/jvr_2019_513_jvr513jvr191053_jvr51jvr191053.pdf
Makela, M., Pei, J., Kerns, K., MacSween, J., Kapasi, A., & Rasmussen, C. (2019). Teaching children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders to use metacognitive strategies. The Journal of Special Education, 53(2), 119-128. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022466919832371
Cleversey, K., Brown, J., & Kapasi, A. (2017). Educational services for youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1-18. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-017-9838-8
Brown, J., Kapasi, A., Nowicki, E., Cleversey, K., Salahadin, A. (2017). Caregivers of youth with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Hopes for them as adults. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 1, 230-239. DOI 10.1007/s41252-017-0030-8
Cleversey, K., Brown, J., & Kapasi, A. (2017). Educating adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Caregiver support needs. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(10), 2843-2851. DOI 10.1007/s10826-017-0776-7
Kapasi, A. & Brown, J. (2017). Strengths of caregivers raising a child with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Child & Family Social Work, 22(2), 721-730. DOI: 10.1111/cfs.12288