Current Projects

Our research lab focuses on communication strategies and neurodiversity, aiming to enhance understanding and support for diverse cognitive experiences. We showcase our student members, whose projects drive this mission, alongside our current research initiatives and published findings.

We are currently engaged in several projects ranging from studies on social communication strategies to the development of tools that aid in effective interaction for neurodiverse individuals. These initiatives aim to produce actionable insights and resources for both researchers and practitioners.

UDL Survey

Despite the documented benefits of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in higher education settings, few studies have explored its implementation in a graduate-level program. This intervention-style study aims to investigate perceptions and implementation of UDL in a graduate-level program for the education of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. We collected survey data before and after a series of continuing education events for faculty centered on teaching practices and UDL principles to examine student and faculty perceptions of the use and usefulness of these strategies.

Familiarity

The Familiarity Project investigates how familiarity between communication partners influences the effectiveness and quality of interaction between autistic and non-autistic adults. The study aims to identify specific linguistic, pragmatic, and behavioral factors that facilitate or hinder mutual understanding in neurodiverse communication contexts. Expected findings include a clearer understanding of how familiarity moderates communication ease, mutual understanding, and social connection across neurotypes. Results are anticipated to inform clinical practice, communication training, and broader inclusion strategies that honor diverse interaction styles in everyday and professional contexts.

GLP Survey

The Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) Project is a mixed-methods investigation of speech-language pathologists’ knowledge, perspectives, and clinical use of Gestalt Language Processing theory. The aim is to understand their knowledge on GLP and how they incorporate it into clinical practice.

Autdar

Similar to the concept of “gaydar,” we are interested in the idea of “autdar” – that autistic individuals may have an advantage at identifying other autistic people. Many autistic individuals report having experiences in which they can easily identify when a person they’ve just met has autism. We are conducting a literature review to understand community perspectives and the current research evidence.

Turn-Taking

The turn-taking project focuses on interactive communication in neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals. Lab researchers are interested in the patterns and metalinguistic strategies used in reciprocal conversation.

Metalinguistic Strategies

Evidence increasingly points to the relational, rather than individual, nature of communication differences. One unexplored factor is metacommunication, or the ways individuals comment on, adjust, or provide feedback about the interaction itself. Ongoing metacommunication functions as feedback that regulates the interaction process and the flow of conversation, which may be especially important given neurotype-based differences in expectations about timing, attention cues, and directness. Mismatches in metacommunication style could either exacerbate misunderstandings or, conversely, serve as tools for bridging them. This study addresses this gap by investigating the use of metacommunication strategies in cooperative, task-oriented dialogues between autistic and non-autistic people.

Website

Our lab website is under construction! The website serves as a central hub for sharing our research and collaborative initiatives with both academic and community audiences. Through clear organization and engaging features such as the virtual lab tour, the site provides accessible entry points for prospective students, research partners, and the public, and reflects the lab’s mission to advance understanding of communication and neurodiversity.

Participant Experience

The Participant Experience Initiative focuses on creating an inclusive, efficient, and accessible research environment that supports high-quality data collection and participant comfort. This work establishes standardized procedures to ensure safety, consistency, and reliability across all studies, including protocols for infection control and equipment use. A key component of this effort is the development of a participant “sensory menu,” which allows individuals to tailor environmental factors such as lighting, temperature, and seating supports to their preferences, promoting sensory regulation and accessibility. Future directions include expanding digital infrastructure through organized Microsoft Teams channels and onboarding modules to streamline training and communication for new lab members.

Research Focus

We investigate communication methods that aid neurodiverse individuals, developing frameworks that facilitate connection and understanding. Our projects are designed to be inclusive and are grounded in rigorous research, aiming to address the unique challenges faced by these communities.

Student Members

Our student researchers bring diverse perspectives to our work, contributing innovative ideas and energy. Each member is involved in projects that explore various aspects of communication and neurodiversity, working collaboratively to drive our mission forward.

Get Involved

We welcome collaboration and inquiries from those interested in our work. Whether you are a student, researcher, or advocate, there are many ways to engage with our projects and contribute to our mission of fostering understanding of neurodiversity.