Delyla Ovalle-Bowyer

Delyla is a Social Science & Humanities Research Associate III working on the Texas Autism and Developmental Disabilities (TX-ADDM) project through the ADDM Network at the Center for Disease Control (CDC). A Houston native, Delyla’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to inclusivity and advocacy for individuals with diverse abilities. With 18 years of experience in the special education field, her journey began as a teacher assistant. This experience continues to ground her in empathy, humility, and a hands-on approach to supporting students and families.
Delyla graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and earned a Master of Arts in Special Education from Sam Houston State University. Early in her career, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, providing direct therapy services to children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in clinic and home settings. These experiences deepened her understanding of individuals with ASD and fueled her passion for creating thriving, inclusive environments.
Her work and advocacy are driven by a personal connection to the communities she serves. Diagnosed with autism at age 40, Delyla brings a unique, empathetic perspective to her work—understanding firsthand the importance of creating spaces where individuals can be authentic and unmasked. Her father, a towering figure in both stature and spirit, instilled in her the values of integrity, empathy, and thinking outside the box. Though he may have appeared intimidating, he was always gentle, and patient, and took time to listen, inspiring Delyla to lead with care and compassion in all of her roles.
Delyla’s dedication to advocating for inclusive practices extends beyond direct service work to policy change. She has been actively involved in education policy fellowships such as Latinos for Education, the Texas Education Policy Fellowship Program, and Texas Teach Plus. Through these initiatives, she has worked to address the disproportionality of diagnoses among different racial and socioeconomic groups—concerns that led her to shift her career focus toward research with the TX-ADDM project. Her research examines disparities in autism diagnoses and services, and she is committed to shaping policies for a more equitable environment for individuals with diverse abilities.
As a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher, Delyla also advocates for holistic, mindful approaches to supporting children with disabilities. Her continued advocacy and insights extend to organizations such as the Council for Exceptional Children, where she contributes to the 2024-2025 Diversity Leadership Academy.
Throughout her career, Delyla has never forgotten where she started—working as a teacher assistant and learning from the ground up. This early experience shaped her approach to leadership and advocacy, reminding her always to stay grounded, approach challenges with humility, and stay connected to the real needs of the communities she serves. Through her research, advocacy, and personal experience, Delyla remains steadfast in her belief that education and inclusive practices are key to unlocking the potential for all, particularly for individuals who face unique challenges—just as she has done throughout her life.