Natalie Andzik, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Special Education

Department

Special and Early Education (SEED)

Education

• Ph.D., The Ohio State University, Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis
• BCBA-D, Doctoral Level Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• M.A., California State University, Sacramento, Special Education
• B.A., University of California, Davis, Human Development

Research Interests

Natalie Andzik, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Special and Early Education at Northern Illinois University. Natalie comes to NIU from The Ohio State University where she earned a Ph.D. in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Her research interest grew from being a special educator in California for eight years. There, she worked with students with mild to profound disabilities and supported teams when making intervention and placement decisions. When making decisions for students, Natalie found that the number one determining factor that decided their future was their ability to independently communicate.

Natalie's research focuses on supporting communication independence among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From her perspective, as a former special education teacher, she believes that teachers, paraeducators, and other school-based practitioners benefit from support when implementing evidence-based practices. Natalie has published numerous articles in special education and applied behavior analysis journals including Exceptional Children and Teaching Exceptional Children.

Classes

• SESE 320/520: Disability in Film
• SESE 417: Positive Behavior Support and Classroom Management for Special Educators
• SESE 511: Ethics for Applied Behavior Analysts
• SESE 515: Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
• SESE 554: Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Support in School and Community Settings
• SESE 792: Single-Case Research Methodologies and Research-based Practices in Special Education
• SESE 709: Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis and Research-Based Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• SESE 710: Behavioral Applications and Consultation in School and Community Settings
• SESE 770: Writing for Publication in Educational Psychology and Special Education
• SESE 796: Laboratory Field Studies in Special Education

Recent Publications

Andzik, N. R., Perez, B. C., James, C. L., & Douglass, D. A., Camacho, S. A., & Frost, B. N. ( in press). Paraeducator implementation of a communication intervention for individuals with significant autism. Education and Treatment of Children.

Andzik, N. R., Pinczynski, M, Masud, A. M., Reilly, A., Pennington, R. C., Walker, V. L., & Tapp, M. C. ( in press) Board certified behavior analysts' perceptions regarding roles in serving students with extensive support and complex communication needs in schools. Education and Treatment of Children.

Kranak, M. P., Shawler, L. A., Andzik, N. R., Kroll, H., Horning, M., & Perez, N. ( online first). Research productivity of behavior-analytic programs and faculty: An update. Behavior Analysis in Practice.

Kim, G., Kurth, J. A., and Andzik, N. R. (2025). Supporting Self-Determination for Students with Complex Support Needs Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication.  Inclusive Practices, 4(3), 42–48 .

Frost, B. N., Walker, S. F., Perez, B. C., Camacho, S. A., & Andzik, N. R. (2025). The effects of varying teacher-student ratios in a special education classroom. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 18(14), 1173–1180.

Baker, S. N., Andzik, N. R., & Mosley, A. N. (2025). Defining engagement: A study of Parent-Educator Perspectives. International Journal About Parents in Education, 14(1).

Kranak, M.P., Andzik, N. R., Jones, C., & Grunewald, K. A. (2024). Scoping Review of Research on and Strategies for Mitigating Burnout Among Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Behavior Analysis Research and Practice, 24(4), 195-210.

Andzik, N. R., Walker, S. D., O’Hara, C. A., Camacho, S. A., Landmeier, L., & Brander, M. (2024). Preliminary assessment of augmentative and alternative communication-related stereotypy. Behavioral Interventions, 39(4), 1–10 .

Andzik, N. R., Walker, V. L. (2024). Riding fences: Supporting the communication needs of students with IDD in rural schools. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 43(2), 63–64 .

Andzik, N. A. & LaMarca, H A. (2024). Multilingualism and Augmentative Alternative Communication: A Review of the Literature. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. 9(3) 642–651.

Andzik, N. R., LaRouech, A, and Gladfelter, A. (2024). Augmentative and Alternative Communication: From Assessment to Implementation - A Parent's Perspective. Submitted to Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups.

Kranak, M.P., Andzik, N. R., Jones, Chloe, and Hall, H. ( online first) A systematic review of supervision research and practices of Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice.

Tofte, M. and Andzik, N. R. (2023). Productivity in Projects: Adjusting Project-Based Learning for Students with Autism. Inclusive Practices, 3 (2–3), 63–71.

Andzik, N. R., Walker, V. L., Pennington, R. C., Tapp, M. C., and Masud, A. M. (2023). Preparing teachers to work with students with extensive support needs and complex communication needs: Expert perspectives. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 58(4), 408­–421 .

Andzik, N. R., Baker, S. N., and Koehler, K. (2023 ). The perceptions and experiences of non-traditional students in teacher licensure programs. Journal of Teacher Education, 74(1), 101–112.

Kranak, M.P., Andzik, N. R., and Falligant, J. M. (2023). Evaluating sources of continuing education and professional development used by behavior analysts. Behavior Analyst in Practice, 16(3), 849–859 .

Recent Grants

Zhu, L., Andzik, N. R., & Perez, B. C. (2025, Spring). Coaching Early Childhood Teachers to Support Children’s Communication Development. College of Education Dean’s Research Grant, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. Funded: $5,000. Co-investigator.

Andzik, N. R. (2025, Spring). Describing the communication behaviors of blind children who use augmentative and alternative communication. Student Engagement Fund, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. Funding awarded and declined: $2,900. Principal Investigator.

Perez, B. C, & Andzik, N. R. (2024, Fall). Evaluating methods for increasing self-initiations during toilet training. Student Engagement Fund, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. Funded: $3,400. Co-Principal Investigator.

Andzik, N. R. (2023, Summer). Curricular Innovation Grant. Northern Illinois University. Funded: $5,500. Principal Investigator.

Andzik, N. R., & Lamarca, H. (2023, Spring). Alternative Communication Access for children with Disabilities who Communicate in Languages other than English. Northern Illinois University, Student Engagement Fund. Funded: $1,200. Principal Investigator.

Walker, S. F., & Andzik, N. R. (2021–2022). Assessment and Treatment of Stereotypy Associated with Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices. College of Education Dean’s Research and Partnership Grant. Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. Funded: $5,000. Co-Investigator.

Andzik, N. R. (2021, Fall). Representation of Disability in Film: Underrepresentation and Misrepresentation. Northern Illinois University, Student Engagement Fund. Funded: $2,700. Principal Investigator.