Match tier Confirmed
Presence Current · Arkansas
Last published 2026
Sources OpenAlex · ORCID
Refreshed 2026-08-15

Melissa Savage

Affiliation confirmed via AI analysis of OpenAlex, ORCID, and web sources.

High Impact

Assistant Professor

Also affiliated: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2017–2022); University of North Texas (2019–2024); Western University (2011); Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (2017); University of California, Los Angeles (1991–2023); Carthage College (2005); Purdue University West Lafayette (2014–2016); UCLA Medical Center (2000); Lake Macquarie City Council (2023); St. Joseph's Hospital (2011); Child Development Center (2017)

Faculty Researcher

23 h-index 75 pubs 3,896 cited

  • Intellectual Disability
  • Humans
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Adolescent
  • Young Adult
  • Adult
  • Exercise
  • Child
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Autistic Disorder
  • Female
  • Male
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • User-Computer Interface
  • Developmental Disabilities

Biography and Research Information

OverviewAI-generated summary

Melissa Savage's research focuses on developing and evaluating interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability, with a particular emphasis on improving physical activity and quality of life. Her work has explored the use of supported self-management and technology, such as Fitbit devices, to increase physical activity levels in adults with these conditions.

Savage has also investigated the experiences of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities within fitness programs, examining their capabilities, opportunities, and motivational factors. Her publications include a third-generation review of evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism. In addition to her work on ASD and intellectual disability, Savage has contributed to research on wildlife conservation, specifically studying otter species in the Himalayas and Nepal. Her scholarship metrics include an h-index of 23, with over 3,860 citations across 74 publications, designating her as a highly cited researcher.

Metrics

  • h-index: 23
  • Publications: 75
  • Citations: 3,896

Selected Publications

  • Physical Activity Interventions for Elementary Students With Autism: A Systematic Review (2026)
    Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities DOI OpenAlex
  • Supporting Physical Activity for Secondary Students With Autism and Intellectual Disability: A Guide for Educators and Families (2026)
    Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities DOI OpenAlex
  • A Mixed Methods Analysis of an Adapted Fitness Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (2026)
    Disabilities DOI OpenAlex
  • Physical Activity, Wearable Devices, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PsycInfo). (2025)
  • Physical Activity, Wearable Devices, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PubMed). (2025)
  • Physical Activity, Wearable Devices, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (SPORTDiscus). (2025)
  • Physical Activity, Wearable Devices, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CINAHL). (2025)
  • Physical Activity, Wearable Devices, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Web of Science). (2025)
  • Capability, opportunity, and motivation to engage in physical activity for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A scoping review (2024)
    International review of research in developmental disabilities 1 citation DOI OpenAlex

View all publications on OpenAlex →

Collaboration Network

7 Collaborators 5 Institutions 1 Country

Top Collaborators

View profile →
View profile →

Similar Researchers

Based on overlapping research topics