Dr. Wilson’s research is focused on developing quantitative methods of motor phenotyping with the overarching goals of 1) improving characterization of motor development in individuals with developmental disabilities, 2) better understanding how specific motor differences can impact cognition and language, and 3) developing more targeted interventions for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Her NIH-funded research evaluates motor development in individuals with developmental disabilities across a lifespan. 

Dr. Wilson’s work also extends to measuring the physical and behavioral benefits of organized physical activity for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Through her clinical practice, Dr. Wilson recognized that motor difficulties experienced by individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities often leads to less engagement in physical activity, which can ultimately have long-term negative impacts on health and wellness. She also recognized the paucity of inclusive and adaptive physical activity interventions available for individuals with developmental disabilities. To target these issues, Dr. Wilson and Ms. Emily Coker (former UCLA medical student and founder of the Expressive Movement Initiative) launched the UCLA chapter of the Expressive Movement Initiative (EMI) in October 2019, a program designed to introduce the art of creative movement and dance to children with developmental disabilities. Dr. Wilson currently serves as the Neurology Node Director of the HRSA Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P). A primary study associated with the AIR-P Neurology Node is a dance intervention for children with developmental disabilities between the ages of 4-17 years old using the EMI model.

Nationally, Dr. Wilson serves as a member on the United States Tennis Association Adaptive Committee. As an invited member of the American Academy of Neurology Education Committee, Dr. Wilson serves on numerous workgroups and subcommittees to improve training and education in neurology. Dr. Wilson is also pediatrics and neurology faculty for the UC-LEND program. She is also the chair of the Best Practices Committee for ACEing Autism, a national organization providing weekly tennis classes to children with ASD. 

Dr. Wilson has been selected as a Los Angeles Times Super Doctor, Southern California Rising Stars, and as a Los Angeles Magazine Top Doctor.

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