Dr. Panicha McGuire

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

JOB OPENING (Ph.D. required)! The Department of Psychological Science at the University of Central Missouri ( https://www.ucmo.edu/psychology/ ) seeks to fill a nine-month, tenure-track assistant professor position beginning August 2026.

Applicants must have a PhD in Psychology from an accredited institution. Area of specialization is open, but candidates should be prepared to teach General Psychology, Research Methods and Statistics, and History of Psychology. They welcome applications from scholars who address topics relevant to access, opportunity, and community in their research and teaching/training. While advanced ABD candidates will be considered, completion of the doctoral degree is required by the start of the appointment. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate an interest in and ability to mentor students in research and professional development. Preferred qualifications include the ability to teach additional courses as needed by the program, as well as courses in the applicant’s area of specialty.

Salary and benefits are competitive. The standard teaching load is 9-12 credit hours/semester as assigned by the chair/dean based on the UCM faculty workload policy; opportunities to teach during the summer are available. Excellence in teaching, productivity in research, and service to the department, college, and university are required for promotion and tenure. Candidates should be able to express their commitment to UCM’s institutional values of community, diversity, excellence, learning, opportunity, and service.

UCM, located 35 miles southeast of the Kansas City metropolitan area, is a public comprehensive university with more than 11,000 students providing a small-college learning environment coupled with large-university opportunities. The Department of Psychological Science offers a B.S. and a B.A. degree in Psychology, as well as a minor in Psychology. Information about the department can be found at https://www.ucmo.edu/psychology/ .
To apply: Candidates must complete the online faculty profile (position #998468) by visiting https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ucmo

Candidates should attach to the faculty profile a letter of application, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts showing all completed degrees, a teaching statement (including evidence of teaching effectiveness), and a research statement outlining how the applicant plans to involve undergraduates in their research. Candidates should be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation, with at least one addressing their teaching ability.

Review of completed applications begins on January 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

UCM requires that all faculty applicants for this position complete the online faculty profile and submit it to the appropriate position for consideration at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ucmo . All documents requested for this position must also be attached to the faculty profile at the time of application. Only completed online faculty profiles with attached documents will be accepted for this position.

Direct inquiries regarding this position to: Dr. Katie Jacobs, Search Committee Chair at jacobs@ucmo.edu.

11/19/2025

Between OT, SLP, feeding therapy, ABA,and all the pressure to choose quickly, many parents end up confused and exhausted. You are not alone if you’ve been searching endlessly for answers.

The truth is that there is no single best therapy for every autistic child. What matters most is finding providers who respect your child’s neurology, support communication in all forms, avoid compliance-based models, and center emotional safety above everything else.

My latest blog breaks down what actually helps, what to avoid, and how to recognize neurodiversity-affirming care. If you’re trying to figure out what will truly support your child in a way that honors who they are, this one is for you.

Read the full blog at the link in my bio.

11/19/2025

A long while ago, I went back and forth with Psychology Today about an article I wrote on the Autism Industrial Complex. Unsurprisingly, it was not approved. So here is (Dr. Panicha’s version) that doesn't water it down.

This piece breaks down how autism has been turned into a marketplace, how autistic people often become the raw material for profit, and how global definitions of autism vary far beyond the narrow medical lens we are taught. I hope this piece brings a little disruption where it is needed.

Dr. Panicha critiques the intersection of autism and capitalism, illustrating how the Autism Industrial Complex commodifies autistic individuals for profit. The rise of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the role of private equity further entrench this system, undermining the quality of care and re...

11/18/2025

If you have searched every corner of the internet trying to figure out the “best therapy” for your autistic child, you are not alone. So many parents end up overwhelmed by recommendations, opinions, and pressure from doctors, schools, family members, and well-meaning strangers.

Between OT, SLP, feeding therapy,“social skills,” and the ever-present push toward ABA, it can feel impossible to know what is actually helpful and what might cause harm. And the truth is, autistic kids do not all benefit from the same interventions.

I wrote a new blog post that breaks down what to be cautious about, how to identify neurodiversity-affirming therapies, and what to look for in a provider who understands autistic communication. It also includes guidance on avoiding compliance-based models. If you’re in that place of wanting to do right by your child but feeling lost in the noise, this one’s for you.

Dr. Panicha emphasizes that after an autism diagnosis, families often feel pressured to choose the right therapy. She advocates for understanding that autistic development varies and should respect each child’s individuality. Therapy should focus on communication, autonomy, and emotional well-bein...

11/16/2025

It’s been a long time coming. I ADHD’ed so hard that it took 5 years. But better now than never. Incredibly grateful for all the families who have spent time with me for this research study. And my co-author Alba Nino for her support and guidance. ☺️

Parenting autistic children often involves navigating unique relational and sensory needs within environments designed for neurotypical expectations. This phenomenological study explores how parents of autistic children experience and interpret attachment behaviors. Semi-structured interviews were c...

11/06/2025

10/31/2025

✨New Pins!✨Welcome to my ADHD creativity corner of the internet! Every one of these pins started as one of those random ideas that popped into my head mid side quest...you know, the kind where you’re doing something completely unrelated and suddenly think, “Wouldn’t it be hilarious if there were a pin/shirt/sticker for that?”. Well, here are the products of my ever growing notes app idea list.

l’ve always loved humor that’s equal parts relatable and a little too real. I’m the kind of person who wears conversation starters because they spark joy and connection. Most of the things I wear are pieces I wished existed, but couldn’t find anywhere else. So one day I decided, why not just make them myself? Turns out other people love them too (which still feels surreal in the best way). This is (I’ve learned) what ADHD creativity looks like for me. A brain full of tabs open, and luckily just enough hyperfocusing to help bring them to life. I used to feel ashamed for not sticking to one hobby: crocheting, watercoloring, fruit carving (yep), playing instruments... you name it. Now I see it for what it is: just the natural parts of the ADHD mind.

10/22/2025

Refreshing interview questions this time 🥰

Dr. Panicha McGuire LMFT, RPT™, PsyD shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below. Panicha, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? I th...

10/21/2025

Hormone fluctuations absolutely have an impact on your ADHD !

10/16/2025

Sensory issues aren’t just an Autism thing. ADHDers can be just as sensory-sensitive. For ADHD, it often changes depending on energy, focus, or stress levels. Some days the music’s too loud, other days it’s the only way to focus.

08/26/2025

August 26 is Women’s Equality Day but the 19th Amendment didn’t mean equality for all women.

Our rights were never gifted. They were fought for and many women of color led that fight.

Today, voter suppression, economic inequality, and political underrepresentation remind us that the struggle is not over.

We are not just fighting towards progress but we are also fighting to defend what has already been won.

Our future depends on radical solidarity.