Hui Zhang, Ph.D.
Assistant Lecturer
2000GG Gilham Hall
Mailstop 924
419.530.4347
Education:
Ph.D. in Special Education, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2024
M.A. in Special Education, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2021
LL.M. in Corporate Law, University of Missouri–Kansas City, 2009
Master of Laws in Corporate Law, Wuhan University, 2006
Bachelor of Management in Accounting, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 2002
Her research focuses on autism and family experiences, particularly among immigrant and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Her scholarship examines how culture, social and community resources, and educational and disability policies shape families’ service decision-making, access to support, advocacy, and experiences with inclusive education. Drawing on her previous legal training and professional experience, Dr. Zhang brings an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of disability policy, family advocacy, and access to educational and community services.
Dr. Zhang’s current research extends this work into community-based and parent-to-parent approaches to family support. She is particularly interested in connecting research with practice through partnerships with families and community organizations and in developing culturally responsive support systems that strengthen connections among families, schools, service providers, and communities.
Research Interests
Autism and family studies; immigrant and culturally and linguistically diverse families; family-professional partnerships; community engagement; disability and inclusive education policy; service access and decision-making; culturally responsive special education.
Selected Publications
Zhang, H., and Chen C. (2024). A Systematic Review of Factors Related to Immigrant Parents’ Choices Toward the Services for Their Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-024-00431-8
Zhang, H., Chen, C., & Feng, C. (2025). Cultural Capital and Decision-Making: Autism Service Choices Among Immigrant Parents. International Journal of Special Education, 40(2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.52291/ijse.2025.40.17
Zhang, H., and Arya, D.J. (2023). Tracing Ideological Tensions in Adopted Legislation for Inclusive Education in China. Linguistics and Education. Volume 78, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.linged.2023.101245.
Zhang, H., Qian, X., & Singer, G. H. (2022). Experiences of Chinese Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Advocating for Inclusive Education. International Journal of Special Education (IJSE), 37(1). https://doi.org/10.52291/ijse.2022.37.27
Featured Webinar
What Do Families Really Need? Insights from Community Work with Autism Families
SPARK for Autism
In this 2026 webinar recording, Dr. Zhang shares a community-informed approach to connecting autism research with meaningful support for families.
