Education

PhD, Michigan State University

Research Interests

Intellectual and developmental disabilities; trauma and maltreatment; health and mental health disparities; assessment and measurement; mixed methods research.

Research Description

My research focuses on mental health, trauma, and maltreatment among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am particularly interested in understanding mental health and trauma related outcomes, improving the identification of and response to maltreatment, and developing more accessible and responsive approaches to assessment, treatment, and care. My work uses quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches and currently includes research on developing an assessment for Down syndrome regression disorder and related psychiatric and behavioral outcomes.

Awards

College of Education Distinguished Alumni Under 10 Years Graduated for 2026, Butler University

Selected Publications

Liffley, E., Kammes, R. R., & Fisher, M. H. (2026). Depression and associated socio-emotional factors among adults with Williams syndrome. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 0(0), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/19315864.2026.2714383

Liffley, E., & Fisher, M. H. (2026). Unequal representation? Examining child and case characteristics in child protective services cases involving disabled children. Child Abuse & Neglect, 174, 107939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107939

Kammes, R. R., Liffley, E., & Fisher, M. H. (2026). Perceived vulnerability and parents’ views on intimate relationships: Adults with intellectual disabilities versus their siblings. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 70(1), 105–115. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.70061

Fisher, M. H., Liffley, E., Black, R. S., & Kammes, R. R. (2025). “And I just don’t like being depressed”: Exploring experiences of depression in adults with Williams syndrome. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 18(4), 342–363. https://doi.org/10.1080/19315864.2025.2471281

Liffley, E. & Fisher, M. H. (2024). A call to action: Extending the research on trauma assessment and treatment for children with intellectual disabilities and extensive support needs. Research and Practice in Severe Disabilities. https://doi.org/10.1177/15407969241268664