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Natasha Newson named Devereux’s 2025 Savin Scholar Award recipient

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania Children’s Services doctoral intern Natasha Newson, M.S., was recently selected as Devereux’s 2025 Savin Scholar Award recipient for her research study that will examine the psychometrics (e.g., reliability, validity) of the organization’s Quality of Life Screener for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Quality of Life Screener is an assessment tool used to measure an individual’s communication skills, social connectedness, health and wellness, autonomy, physical environments and community participation.

Each year, Devereux’s Institute of Clinical and Professional Training and Research (ICPTR) presents the Savin Scholar Award to one of its health service psychology interns who proposes a research study/program evaluation regarded as “exemplary.” Proposals must meet four criteria related to: 1) innovation, 2) quality, 3) feasibility and 4) consistency with Devereux’s Advanced Philosophy of Care.

As the 2025 Savin Scholar, Newson, will receive up to $1,500 to conduct her study and a $500 cash award. She will receive an additional travel stipend if her study is accepted for presentation at a conference within the next year.

“We want to congratulate Natasha on receiving this year’s Savin Scholar Award. While our selection committee was impressed with the quality and creativity of the proposals, Natasha’s was particularly compelling,” said Devereux Center for Effective Schools Director and Health Service Psychology Director of Internship Training Laura Rutherford, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA, who oversees the intern research projects. “Her study has the potential to provide valuable insights into how our Quality of Life screener for individuals with autism and IDD can be effectively used in treatment planning to ensure we continue to provide the highest quality care for our individuals and families.”

Evaluating the screener

Newson’s study, titled, “Pilot evaluation of the Devereux Quality of Life Screener with individuals with IDD living in a residential treatment facility,” will examine the reliability of the screener and its relationship to a standardized measure of adaptive behaviors. Her study also will assess the perceptions of Devereux staff who use the screener, focusing on its acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility.

“I wanted to conduct a study that could have an immediate, practical impact on the individuals I serve, as well as my colleagues,” explained Newson. “Often, when we talk about children with challenging behaviors, the focus is on reducing those behaviors. By incorporating quality of life into treatment planning, we take a person-centered approach. Research shows that individuals with IDD report a lower quality of life than those without disabilities, and adults with IDD living in intermediate care facilities report an even lower quality of life than those in other treatment settings. I hope to provide critical information to Devereux leaders about the psychometrics of our Quality of Life Screener and evaluate how it can best support treatment planning, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for the individuals in our care.”

Next steps …

Newson plans to complete her research study this spring and present her findings at Devereux’s annual intern research presentation in June.

Newson said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to complete this project which could have a meaningful and positive impact on the individuals we serve.”

Learn more about Devereux’s doctoral internships in health service psychology.

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