L-Squared Project

The title of the project, “L-squared,” was derived from research indicating that access to rich literacy experiences can exponentially increase language and communication skills.

The purpose of this project was to establish sustainable, parent-directed, comprehensive community supports for literacy and language (L-squared) of children with ASD, prioritizing those with limited spoken language. The strain on parents of children with ASD are already great without adding the burden of continuously creating novel literacy experiences for their children. This is why our parent-directed training also sought to equip the community to be able to meet literacy needs so that parents and their children can go into the community and access universally designed literacy experiences. We did this by providing comprehensive L2 training to parents, librarians, speech language-pathologist, teachers, and other child-centered community partners. Our focus was on improving the home, community, and school literacy environment for individuals with ASD with the greatest support needs through evidence-based literacy instruction, functional communication training, and augmentative and alternative communication training.

Biometric Analysis

Biometry is “the statistical analysis of numerical data relating to living organisms” (OED, 2018). At the BLINC lab, we assess biometric indicators that assist us in measuring human behaviors related to reading. Specifically, we study eye movement and language use. 

eye tracking

Eye-tracking is used to learn about how children look at electronic storybooks. We are interested if their gaze patterns change following reading interventions. We are also interested in using eye-tracking as a way to assess knowledge of children who are minimally verbal.

Language Environmental Analysis (LENA)

A LENA is a recording device that is placed in the pocket of a t-shirt worn by a young child. It records all language of the child and of those who interact with the child. It tells us how often, how much, and the quality of the child’s language. We are interested in learning more about the language patterns of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. We are also interested in learning whether our interventions can improve the language of the children we serve.

Emergent Literacy Assessment (ELA) for Autism Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of this project was to develop and test an emergent literacy assessment that includes eye-gaze and touch-based responses with standardized behavior protocols to accurately pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in the literacy skills of individuals with ASD who are pre- or minimally verbal.

Note-These projects are currently inactive.