Sivaraman, Maithri (ms6438)

PhD in Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium

MSc in Psychology, University of Madras, India

BTech in Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli, India

My research interests are notably broad. Some of my work has involved testing educational interventions for children across India, western Europe and the US in schools and other community settings. I have led and mentored research on ABA-based interventions to teach language, social and other life skills to children with special educational needs. I also study cultural adaptations that may be needed to transport educational interventions to diverse populations.

I have ongoing research on the overlap between behavior-analytic theories (e.g., Relational Frame Theory, Verbal Behavior Development Theory) and how these can be leveraged for better educational and language outcomes in children. I also conduct experiments on early social behaviors and how these may impact language in toddlers. I frequently adopt cross-disciplinary approaches to tackle my research questions. A complete overview of my research can be found at this link. 

For students interested in working with me, feel free to email me with questions. 

Sivaraman, M., & Barnes-Holmes, D. (2023). Naming: What do we know so far? A systematic review. Perspectives in Behavior Science. Advance Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40614-023-00374-1

Virues-Ortega, J., Pérez-Bustamante Pereira, A., Martin, N., Moeyaert, M., Krause, P. A., Tarifa-Rodriguez, A., Trujillo, C., & Sivaraman, M. (2023). Reducing face touching through haptic feedback: A treatment evaluation against fomite-mediated self-infection. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 56(3), 549–564. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.996

Sivaraman, M., Barnes-Holmes, D., Greer, D., Fienup, D., & Roeyers, H. (2023). Building bridges: Relational Frame Theory and Verbal Behavior Development Theory. Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior. Advance Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.836

Sivaraman, M., Fahmie, T., Garcia, A., Hamawe, R., & Tierman, E. (2022). An evaluation of ethnicity-matching for caregiver telehealth training in India. Behavior Analysis in Practice, Advance Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-022-00738-0

Sivaraman, M., Virues-Ortega, J., Maes-Dhaeyere, L., Saelaert, E., & Roeyers, H. (2022). A social referencing intervention for children with autism: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 55(3), 763-781. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jaba.935

Sivaraman, M., Barnes-Holmes, D., & Roeyers, H. (2021). Non-simultaneous stimulus

Presentations and their role in listener naming. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 116(3), 300-313. doi:10.1002/jeab.715.

Sivaraman, M., Virues-Ortega, J., & Roeyers, H. (2021). Telehealth mask-wearing training to children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(1), 70-86. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.802

Sivaraman, M., & Fahmie, T. (2020). A systematic review of cultural adaptations in the global application of ABA-based telehealth services.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(4):1838-1855. doi: 10.1002/jaba.763

Sivaraman, M., & Fahmie, T. (2020). Evaluating the efficacy and social validity of a culturally-adapted training program for parents and service providers in India. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13(4):849-861. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00489-w.

Sivaraman, M., Virues-Ortega, J., & Roeyers, H. (2020). Social referencing skills in children with autism: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders,72, 10158. doi:  10.1016/j.rasd.2020.101528

Sivaraman, M. & Rapp, J.T. (2019). Further analysis of the immediate and subsequent effect of RIRD on vocal stereotypy. Behavior Modification. Advance Online Publication. doi: 10.1177/0145445519838826

Sivaraman, M., & Bhabu, P. (2018). Establishment of exclusion responding in children with autism. Behavioral Interventions, 33, 414-426. doi: 10.1002/bin.1647

Sivaraman, M., & Fahmie, T. (2018). Using common interests to increase socialization between children with autism and their peers. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. 51, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2018.03.007

Sivaraman, M. (2017). Using multiple-exemplar training to teach empathy skills to children with autism. Behaviour Analysis in Practice. 10, 4: 337-346. doi: 10.1007/s40617-017-0183-y

Book Chapters

Virues-Ortega, J., Moeyaert, M., Sivaraman, M., & Fernandez-Castilla, B. (2023). Quantifying outcomes in applied behavior analysis. Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis. Springer.

Celiberti, D., Sivaraman, M., & Slim, L. (2021). Standing up for science takes a village: An international one. A Scientific Framework for Compassion and Social Justice in Applied Behavior Analysis. Taylor and Francis