Lauren M. McGrath
Associate Professor
Specialization(s)
learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, neurodiversity, neurodevelopmental disabilities, child mental health, child neuropsychology
Professional Biography
Lauren McGrath (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department and a licensed child clinical psychologist. She received her PhD in Child Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience from DU. She directs the L.E.a.R.N. Lab at the University of Denver, which focuses on understanding strengths and challenges in children with learning differences and learning disabilities. This research encompasses difficulties with reading (dyslexia), math (dyscalculia), and writing (dysgraphia). Her work is currently focusing on mental health symptoms and attentional challenges that commonly co-occur in children with learning disabilities. Dr. McGrath’s work is funded by the National Institutes of Health, including as a current Principal Investigator with the Colorado Learning Disabilities Research Center, one of the NIH-funded, multi-site learning disabilities research programs.
Dr. McGrath’s research on learning informs her identity as a teacher-scholar. She uses cognitive science and universal design for learning (UDL) principles to guide her course design and pedagogical approaches. Her research expertise is closely aligned with the graduate courses she teaches in Cognitive Assessment and Developmental Neuropsychology and the undergraduate courses in Research Methods. As a clinical scientist, Dr. McGrath promotes the integration of evidence-based clinical practices with neurodiversity-affirming approaches in her work as a licensed clinical supervisor in the Center for Child and Family Psychology in the Psychology Department.
Degree(s)
- Ph.D., Child Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2009
- MA, Child Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2005
- BS, Neuroscience, Brandeis University, 2001
Licensure / Accreditations
- Licensed Psychologist
Research
More information about our research lab is available at our L.E.a.R.N. Lab website: https://liberalarts.du.edu/psychology/learn-lab
Areas of Research
Key Projects
- Differential Diagnosis in Learning Disabilities - Project II
- Differential Diagnosis in Learning Disabilities - Project V
- Mechanisms underlying reading avoidance in children with reading difficulties
Featured Publications
Slomowitz, R. F., Narayan, A. J., & McGrath, L. M. (2025). Resilience research in learning disabilities: Guiding principles from developmental psychopathology. Learning and Instruction, 97, 102090. PDF
Anderson, N. J., Rozenman, M., Pennington, B. F., Willcutt, E. G., & McGrath, L. M. (2023). Compounding Effects of Domain-General Cognitive Weaknesses and Word Reading Difficulties on Anxiety Symptoms in Youth. Journal of learning disabilities, 56(5), 343–358. PDF
Kramer, E., Willcutt, E. G., Peterson, R. L., Pennington, B. F., & McGrath, L. M. (2023). Processing Speed is Related to the General Psychopathology Factor in Youth. Research on child and adolescent psychopathology, 51(8), 1179–1193. PDF
Slomowitz, R. F., Narayan, A. J., Pennington, B. F., Olson, R. K., DeFries, J. C., Willcutt, E. G., & McGrath, L. M. (2021). In Search of Cognitive Promotive and Protective Factors of Word Reading. Scientific studies of reading : the official journal of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading, 25(5), 397–416. PDF
Macdonald, K., Germine, L., Anderson, A., Christodoulou, J., & McGrath, L. M. (2017). Dispelling the Myth: Training in Education or Neuroscience Decreases but Does Not Eliminate Beliefs in Neuromyths. Frontiers in psychology, 8, 1314. PDF
Awards
- Excellence in Leadership Award, International Dyslexia Association
- Established Research Scholar Award, University of Denver
Graduate Mentorship
Dr. McGrath will be reviewing applications for fall 2026 admission.
