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Ann X. Huang, Ph.D.Assistant Professor 320 Fisher Hall |
Courses Taught
EDLD 102 Historical and Legal Foundation of Special Education
EDLD 201 Characteristics of Persons with Disabilities
EDLD 202 Critical Issues in Special Education
GSPE 611 Persons with Disabilities
GSPE 662 Learning Disabilities
GSPE 664 Behavioral Disorders
Education
Ph.D., Applied Behavior Analysis
Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee
Honors/Awards
Huang, A.X. (2009). Self understanding in high-functioning individuals with autism. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Duquesne University Presidential Scholarship Award ($5,000).
Huang, A. X. (2008). Improving quality of life outcomes for adolescents with autism and asperger syndrome through person-centered transition planning: A pilot study (May 2008 to Apr 2010). Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Duquesne University Faculty Development Fund ($10,000).
Huang, A. X. (2008). Transition to community-based employment for adolescents or adults with autism spectrum disorders (Feb 2008 to Jun 2009). Pennsylvania: Department of Public Welfare ($150,000).
Why should a prospective student choose Duquesne University?
This is the place where students will be cared for and educated to become a successful lifelong learner and a complete human being.
What drew you to teach at Duquesne University?
I love working here because Duquesne has three things I value most: the identity of the University, fine students, and intelligent colleagues.
Research Interests
Assessments and education of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), particularly high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome.
Behavioral modification and instructional strategies for students with behavioral and learning difficulties based on Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports.
Person-centered transition planning from school to work/college for adolescents and young adults with disabilities, particularly ASD.
Social skills and life/daily functioning skills training for students with disabilities, particularly ASD.
Self-determination and quality of life improvement for individuals with disabilities.
Current Projects
Transition from school to work/college for high-functioning individuals with ASD.
Transitional needs of students with ASD.
Self-understanding in high-functioning individuals with ASD.
Multicultural competence in the field of Special Education.
Individuals with ASD in Criminal Justice systems.
Evidence-based practices for teaching students with ASD.
Issues relating to diagnosis of ASD.
Professional Affiliations
Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)
Autism Society of America (ASA)
Autism Spectrum Supports Network in Pittsburgh, PA (ASSN)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Southwestern PA ASD College Advisory Committee
Recent Publications
Peer-review journals
Huang, A.X., Jia, M.X., & Wheeler, J.J. (Accepted). Children with autism in the People’s Republic of China: Diagnosis, legal issues and educational services. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Huang, A.X., & Wheeler, J.J. (Accepted). Pursuing a diagnosis for children with Asperger syndrome: Parents’ perspectives. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.
Wheeler, J.J., Mayton, M.R., Carter, S.L., Chitiyo, M., Menendez, A.L., & Huang, A. (2009). An assessment of treatment integrity in behavioral intervention studies conducted with persons with Mental Retardation. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 44(2), 187-195.
Huang, A.X., & Wheeler, J.J. (2007). Including children with autism in general education classrooms in mainland China [Special issue]. Childhood Education, 83, 356-360.
Huang, A.X., & Wheeler, J.J. (2007). Promoting the development of educational programs for children with autism in Southeast Asian countries. International Journal of Special Education, 22(3), 78-88.
International or National Conferences
Huang, A.X. (2010). Service and educational needs of Chinese American families with a child with ASD. Poster accepted to be presented at ABAI’s 36th Annual Convention to be held in San Antonio, TX, May 28 - June 1, 2010.
Zhang, J., Wheeler, J.J., & Huang, A.X. (2009). Mercury and children with autism spectrum disorders. Paper presented at the 2009 NAEYC Annual Conference held in Washington, D.C., November 18-21, 2009.
Huang, A.X., & McMillend, D. (2010). Improving quality of life through person-centered planning: A university-based transition program for youth with ASDs. Poster accepted to be presented at CEC’s 2010 Annual Convention & Expo to be held in Nashville, TN, May 22-26, 2009.
Huang, A.X., Wheeler, J.J., & Zhang, J. (2009). Person-centred transition planning for individuals with ASD: A pilot study. Poster presented at the 2009 ABAI’s 35th Annual Convention held in Phoenix, AZ, May 22-26, 2009.
Wheeler, J.J.,Mayton, M., Huang, A.X., Menendez, A., & Zhang, J. (2009). Evidence-based practices in the education of children with autism spectrum disorders. Poster presented at the CEC’s 2009 Annual Convention & Expo held in Seattle, WA, April 1-4, 2009.
Huang, A.X., & Wheeler, J.J. (2008). Self-awareness in adolescents with high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome. Paper presented at the ABAI’s 34th Annual Convention held in Chicago, IL, May 23-27, 2008.
Wheeler, J.J., Mayton, M., Huang, A.X., Menendez, A., Chitiyo, M., Stacy, C., et al. (2008). A representation of treatment integrity in the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions. Poster presented at the 5th International Conference on Positive Behavior Support (PBS) held in Chicago, IL, Mar 27-29, 2008.
Huang, A.X., & Wheeler, J.J. (2008). Pursuing a diagnosis for children with Asperger syndrome: Parents' perspectives. Poster presented at the 2008 ABAI’s 2nd Autism Conference held in Atlanta, GA, Feb 8-10, 2008.
Wheeler, J.J., Mayton, M., Huang, A., Carter, S.L., Chitiyo, M., Menendez, A.L., & et al. (2007). An assessment of treatment integrity in Applied Behavior Analysis studies conducted with persons with Mental Retardation. Poster presented at the ABAI’s 33rd Annual Convention held in San Diego, CA, May 25-29, 2007.
Huang, A.X., Jia, M.X., & Wheeler, J.J. (2007). Children with autism in the People’s Republic of China: Diagnosis, legal issues and educational services. Paper presented at the ABAI’s 33rd Annual Convention held in San Diego, CA, May 25-29, 2007.
Huang, A.X., & Wheeler, J.J. (2007). Teaching emotion recognition to a child with Asperger Syndrome. Poster presented at the ABAI’s 1st Autism Conference: Progress and challenges in the behavior treatment of autism held in Boston, MA, Feb 2-4, 2007.
Wheeler, J.J., Huang, A.X., Helm, R.B., & Zhang, J. (2007). Understanding the role of instructional antecedents in promoting optimal responding in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Paper presented at the CEC-DDD’s 10th International Conference held in Kona, Hawaii, Jan 31-Feb 2, 2007.
Huang, A.X., & Wheeler, J.J. (2007). Teaching nonverbal social communication skills to a child with Asperger Syndrome. Poster presented at the 10th International Conference of the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Developmental Disabilities (CEC-DDD) held in Kona, Hawaii, Jan 31-Feb 2, 2007.
Recent Speaking Engagements
Invited Speaker by the School Psychology program, Dept. of Counseling, Psychology, & Special Education, Duquesne University, Nov 2009, Pittsburgh, PA.
Recent Professional Experience & Service
Invited to attend the National Town Hall Meeting: Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism—Shaping Policies, Services and Resources, 1 of 15 satellite cities, Monroeville, Pittsburgh, PA, Nov 2009.

