Mihaela Barokova, PhD
Developmental Psychologist
Research & Teaching
I am a developmental psychologist and researcher with a focus on child development. My research investigates the language and communication of children with autism and with typical development. I leverage my expertise in research design, participant recruitment, data collection and analysis as a consultant evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of programs and interventions for children at risk and their families. I also enjoy mentoring students and trainees as they navigate their academic and professional paths.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Invited Talks
Courses and Discussion Sections Taught
Project management and collaboration: I have participated in multiple international research projects leveraging the expertise and knowledge of researchers from over 25 labs from 14 countries. In the past year, I co-led a collaborative project aiming at providing a framework for the collection of demographic data in developmental research.
Mentoring: Over the course of my studies I have formally supervised and informally mentored numerous undergraduate and master students. I have organized training sessions, provided feedback, and supported both the academic and professional development of my mentees as they worked on their independent research projects, applied to graduate school and fellowships, and applied for their first jobs in industry or academia.
Teaching and presenting: I have designed and taught both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses on topics ranging from autism spectrum disorders, assessment design, college writing, developmental psychology. I also organize seminars and presentations for service providers and for parents of children with autism and for children with typical development. I have presented my research at multiple international conferences.
Consulting: I consult for projects evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of treatments and interventions for children with developmental disorders and for children at risk. My expertise in experimental design (including Randomized Control Trials), assessment design, recruitment, data collection and analysis have prepared me well to supervise and evaluate the implementation of programs focusing on child development.
NEW BOOK · 2026 · IN BULGARIAN
“Речта и комуникацията при разстройства от аутистичен спектър”
автор: Михаела Барокова PhD
“Speech and Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorders”
By Mihaela Barokova, PhD
My new book examines language and communication in autism, bringing together a review of the research literature and findings from my study of Bulgarian children with autism and their parents. It explores children’s language, parental speech, and the relationships between them.
Published by New Bulgarian University · 242 pages · Bulgarian edition
ISBN 9786192334079
