About Appointments and Referrals Contact Us Join the Team News Events and Workshops MYchart Search
Marcus Autism Center Logo
About Meet Our Leadership Nathan Call

Nathan Call, PhD, BCBA-D

Nathan Call

Interim Vice President, Marcus Autism Center

Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine

Associate Division Chief of Clinical Affairs, Autism and Related Disorders

Nathan Call, PhD, BCBA-D, received his doctorate in school psychology from the University of Iowa in 2003. He has been at Marcus Autism Center since 2006, where he has held many positions as a clinician and as a leader of treatment programs.

Dr. Call has an active research agenda that includes publishing in and serving on the editorial board for several journals, including as an associate editor for Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice. Dr. Call’s current research interests include the assessment and treatment of severe behavior disorders. He is a strong proponent of disseminating behavioral treatments to broader audiences, which has led him to serve as principal investigator on several federally funded randomized clinical trials. Dr. Call has also conducted translational research in behavioral economics and measure development.

Publications

  • Bernstein, A. M., Clark, S. B., Pattishall, A. E., Morris, C. R., McCarter, A., Muething, C. S., Pavlov, A. C., Chun, T., & Call, N. A. (2022). The Development and Acceptability of a Comprehensive Crisis Prevention Program for Implementation in Health Care Settings. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 10783903221093578. https://doi.org/10.1177/10783903221093578
  • Bernstein, A., Call, N., Lattal, K., & Verdun, V. (2022). Schedules of Reinforcement and Punishment: Translation into Applications. In H. Roane, A. Craig, V. Saini, & J. Ringdal (Eds.), Translational Perspectives on Applied Behavior Analysis.
  • Muething, C., Call, N., Ritchey, C. M., Pavlov, A., Bernstein, A. M., & Podlesnik, C. A. (2022). Prevalence of relapse of automatically maintained behavior resulting from context changes [Article]. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(1), 138-153. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.887
  • Scheithauer, M., Hiremath, S., Southerland, A., Rozga, A., Ploetz, T., Rock, C., & Call, N. (2022). Feasibility of accelerometer technology with individuals with autism spectrum disorder referred for aggression, disruption, and self injury. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 98, doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2022.102043
  • Schieltz, K. M., O'Brien, M. J., Tsami, L., Call, N. A., & Lerman, D. C. (2022). Behavioral Assessment and Treatment via Telehealth for Children with Autism: From Local to Global Clinical Applications [Article]. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(4), 24, Article 2190. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042190
  • Cariveau, T., Miller, S.J., Call, N.A., & Alvarez, J. (2019). Assessment and treatment of problem behavior maintained by termination of interruptions. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 3, 203-208.
  • Hodnett, J., Scheithauer, M., Call, N.A., Mevers, J.L., & Miller, S.J. (2018). Using a functional analysis followed by differential reinforcement and extinction to reduce challenging behaviors in children with Smith-Magenis syndrome. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 6, 558-573.
  • Hine, J.F., Ardoin, S.P., Call, N.A. (2018). Token economies: Using basic experimental research to guide practical applications. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 48, 45 - 154.
  • Lomas Mevers, J., Muething, C., Call, N. A., Scheithauer, M., & Hewett, S. (2018). A consecutive case series analysis of a behavioral intervention for enuresis in children with developmental disabilities. Developmental neurorehabilitation, 5, 336-344.
  • Scheithauer, M., Call, N., Mevers, J.L., Scahill, L. (2018). A feasibility randomized clinical trial (RCT) of a manualized intervention targeting elopement (running away) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 31, 564-564.
  • Call, N.A., Clark, S.B., Mevers, J.L., Parks, N.A., Volkert, V.M, Scheithauer, M.C., (2018). An individualized method for establishing and thinning multiple schedules of reinforcement following functional communication training. Learning and Motivation, 62, 91-102.
  • Scheithauer, M., Muething, C.S., Silva, M.R., Gerencser, K.R., Krantz, J., Call, N.A. (2017). Using caregiver report on the impact of challenging behavior exhibited by children with autism spectrum disorder to guide treatment development and outcomes. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 1-12.
  • Lomas Mevers, J.E., Call, N.A., & Miller, S.J. (2017). Practice recommendations for addressing problem behaviors in siblings with autism spectrum disorder. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 4, 363-374.
  • Muething, C. S., Call, N.A., Lomas Mevers, J., Zangrillo, A. N., Clark, S. B., & Reavis, A. R. (2017). Correspondence between the results of functional analyses and brief functional analyses. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 8, 549-559.
  • Scheithauer, M.C., Lomas Mevers, J.E., Call, N.A., Shrewsbury, A.N. (2017). Using a test for multiply-maintained self injury to develop function-based treatments. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 29, 443 - 460.
  • Scheithauer, M., Call, N., Cariveau, T., Ormand, H., Clark, S. (2016). A consecutive case review of token systems used to reduce problem behavior in individuals with developmental delays. Journal Of Intellectual Disability Research, 60, 733.
  • Scheithauer, M., Cariveau, T., Call, N.A., Ormand, H., Clark, S. (2016). A consecutive case review of token systems used to reduce socially maintained challenging behavior in individuals with intellectual and developmental delays. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 62, 157-166.
  • Call, N.A., Simmons, C.A., Mevers, J.E., & Alvarez, J.P. (2015). Clinical outcomes of behavioral treatments for pica in children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 7, 2105–2114.
  • Call, N.A., Delfs, C.H., Reavis, A.R., Mevers, J.L. (2015). Factors influencing treatment decisions by parents for their children with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 15-16, 10-20.
  • Call, N.A., Reavis, A.R., McCracken, C.E., Gillespie, S.E., & Scheithauer, M. C. (2015). The impact of delays on parents' perceptions of treatments for problem behavior. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 4, 1013-1025.
  • Klin, A., Wetherby, A.M., Woods, J., Saulnier, C., Stapel-Wax, J., Klaiman, C., Jones, W., Rubin, E., Scahill, L., Call, N.A., Bearss, K., Gunter, C., Courtemanche, C. J., Lemieux, A., Cox, J.C., Mandell, D.S., Van Decar, J.P., Miller, R.A., & Shireman, C.L. (2015). Toward innovative, cost-effective, and systemic solutions to improve outcomes and well-being of military families affected by autism spectrum disorder. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 1, 73-79.

Speaking Engagements

  • Call, N. (2022). The predicative validity and utility of the structured descriptive assessment. Association of Behavior Analysis International, 48th Annual Convention (oral presentation)
  • Call, N. (2022). Crisis Admission Program: An Alternative Pilot Discharge Plan for Patients with Autism Presenting in Behavioral Crisis. Symposium conducted at the 46th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, (poster presentation)
  • Call, N., (2022, November). Escape interventions with open/closed economies. Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis, in Atlanta, GA. (Poster Presentation)
  • Call, N. A. (2022). “Advancing Behavior Analysis by Extending the Continuum of Research Questions & Methods”. Grand Rounds at the Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA.
  • Call, N. A. (2022, September). “Disseminating Behavior Analysis: It’s Time to Expand our Repertoires”. Invited Lecture as part of the University of California, Los Angeles – Child and Adult Neurodevelopment Clinic & Kaplan and Rothstein REACH Training program
  • Call, N. A. (2022). “Ethical Issues that Arise in the Treatment of Challenging Behavior”. Guest lecture remotely delivered to the PSYC Ethics & Professional Issues class, Berry College, Rome, GA.
  • Call, N. A. (2022, October). “Extending the Reach of Behavior Analytic Research on the Treatment of Autism by Expanding One’s Scholarly Repertoire”. Invited Lecture, Louisiana State University, Psychology Department, Baton Rouge, LA
  • Call, N. (2022). Symposium Discussant, Recent Advancements in Assessment, Treatment, and Outcomes for Challenging Behavior. 48th Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Boston, MA
  • Call, N. (2022, November). Reducing Firearm Access for Youth At-Risk for Suicide in a Pediatric Emergency Department. Oral Flash Science and Poster. National Research Conference on Firearms Injury Prevention, Washington D.C.
  • Call N. A., (2022, April). Medically Unnecessary & Unethical: Venipuncture for Behavioral Disturbance in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department (ED).
    • Poster presented at Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) in Denver, Colorado.
  • Call, N. (2022, June). Medically Unnecessary & Unethical: Venipuncture for Behavioral Disturbance in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department (ED). Poster presented at 11th Annual Southeastern Pediatric Research Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Call, N., (2022). From Small “n” to Large “N”: A Multidisciplinary Treatment for Encopresis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Symposium conducted at the 11th International conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Dublin, Ireland, (oral presentation)
  • Call N,. (2022, October). Reducing Firearm Access for Youth At-Risk for Suicide in a Pediatric Emergency Department. Oral Presentation. American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, Anaheim, CA
  • Call, N. (2022). Using accelerometers with children with autism spectrum disorder and challenging behavior: A feasibility analysis. Presented at the 48th Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Boston, MA (oral presentation)
  • Call, N. A (2022). Randomized Clinical Trial of a Manualized Function-Based Elopement Treatment: Secondary Interim Analyses. Symposium conducted at the 11th International conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Dublin, Ireland, (oral presentation)
  • Call, N. A. (2022). Workshop: TAND-Feeding, elopement, and potty training. World Tuberous Sclerosis Conference, Dallas, TX.
  • Call, N. (2015, December). From specialized clinic-based tertiary care to communities and prevention. Presented at National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s (NASEM’s) Forum on Promoting Children’s Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Health, Washington, DC.
  • Call, N. (2016, October). Assessment and management of problem behaviors exhibited by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Presented as part of University of California Los Angeles Center for Autism Research and Treatment Lecture Series, Los Angeles, CA.
  • Call, N. (2017, March). Supporting medical care for children with autism spectrum disorder. Presented at Children’s Hospital Association Accreditation and Regulatory Forum.
    • Call, N. (2018, March). Alternative functional behavioral assessment formats: What to do when the gold standard isn’t feasible. Presented at the Iowa Department of Education Annual Learning Supports Conference, Ames, IA.
  • Call, N. (2018, July). Current research in the treatment of problem behavior exhibited by individuals with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and related disorders. Presented at The Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation International Family Conference and Phelan-McPosium, Grapevine, TX.
  • Call, N. (2018, October). Managing challenging behavior in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Lecture conducted from Texas Department of Education, Region 4.
  • Call, N. (2018, November). Addressing challenging behavior of individuals with autism spectrum disorder using evidence-based strategies. Lecture presented at Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Call, N. (2015). Behavioral approaches to problem behavior in individuals with dual diagnoses. Presented at Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability, Macon, GA.
  • Call, N. (2016). A continuum of behavior analytic research with individuals diagnosed with ASD. Presented at Atlanta Autism Consortium Annual Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA.
  • Call, N. (2017). Autism Spectrum Disorder: Providing complex care for core symptoms and co-morbidities. Georgia Department of Education Autism Services Webinar. Lecture presented from Atlanta, GA.
  • Call, N. (2017). The role of diagnosis in treatment planning. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities forum for Direct Service Providers. Lecture presented from Macon, GA and Savannah, GA.
  • Call, N. (2017). Essentials of a treatment plan. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities forum for Direct Service Providers. Lecture presented from Macon, GA and Savannah, GA.
  • Call, N. (2018). Managing and preventing crises in individuals with dual diagnoses. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities Learning Collaborative Conference. Lecture presented from Augusta, GA.
  • Call, N. (2019) Crisis management and behavioral interventions for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Adult Mental Health Coalition Meeting. Lecture presented from Macon, GA.
  • Call, N. (2016). Behavioral interventions for severe problem behavior in children with autism and related disorders. Strengthening Families Mental Health Forum. Lecture conducted from Fayetteville, GA.
  • Call, N. (2018). Patients with ASD in specialty healthcare settings. Presented at Advanced Practice Professionals Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Call, N. (2015) Behavioral interventions in the United States State of Autism Diagnosis and Treatment. Autism Speaks Korea & South Korean Ministry of Health.
  • Call, N. (2015). Applications of delay discounting in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities. Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy. Lecture conducted from Amherst, MA.
  • Call, N. (2015). Assessment and treatment of comorbid conditions. Presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Shanghai, China.
  • Call, N. (2016, March). Etiology and assessment of problem behavior exhibited by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the 8th Annual Autism Symposium: Current Medical Evidence and Interventions Regarding Autism, Jacksonville, FL.
  • Call, N. (2016, March). Function-based treatments of problem behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the 8th Annual Autism Symposium: Current Medical Evidence and Interventions Regarding Autism, Jacksonville, FL.
  • Call, N. (2016, October). Assessment and management of problem behaviors exhibited by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the International Annual Autism Conference, Astana, Kazakhstan.
  • Call, N. (2016, October). Successfully managing the transition into adulthood for individuals with ASD. Presented at the International Annual Autism Conference, Astana, Kazakhstan.
  • Call, N. (2016, November). Telehealth-based interventions for problem behaviors exhibited by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Presented at OPEN MINDS Technology & Informatics Institute, Washington, DC.
  • Call, N. (2017, October). Current research on the treatment of problem behaviors exhibited by children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the Naked Heart Foundation Annual Conference, Moscow, Russia.
  • Call, N. (2018, March). Behavioral interventions for severe problem behavior in children with autism and related disorders. Presented at the 10th Annual Autism Symposium: Current Medical Evidence and Interventions Regarding Autism, Jacksonville, FL.
  • Call, N. (2014). Maintaining social validity while treating problem behaviors exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities. Presented at Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis, Atlanta, GA.
  • Call, N.(2014). The state of behavior analysis in Georgia. Presented at the annual conference of the Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis.
  • Call, N. (2015). Behavioral approaches to problem behavior in individuals with dual diagnoses. Presented at the annual convocation for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability.
Leadership Team
Ami Klin
Warren Jones
Joanna Lomas Mevers
Board of Trustees