Communication Sciences and Disorders (Pennsylvania State University)
Background: I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colby College and my MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. I then worked for several years in the Autism Language Program at Boston Children’s Hospital where I conducted AAC evaluations and provided therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder who required AAC. During my time at BCH, I also had opportunities to provide AAC services in school and community settings and I developed an interest in exploring AAC interventions that could better support communication and language acquisition within the context of daily life. I have also worked as an SLP in a private clinic for individuals with ASD, and at a school, where my caseload consisted primarily of students with complex communication needs.
Current Interests: I am interested in the development and implementation of AAC systems and interventions to support communication and language acquisition for beginning communicators of all ages with ASD. Currently, I am exploring the effect of an intervention that uses mobile technology with video Visual Scene Displays to support interaction between children with ASD and their peers with typical development during play activities. I am also working on projects related to early vocabulary development and receptive language.
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Janice Light
Sample Presentation/Publication and Rationale:: Laubscher, E., & Light, J. (2018, November). Re-examining core vocabulary for children that require AAC: A developmental perspective. Poster presented at the ASHA annual convention, Boston, MA.
This project examines early vocabulary development and explores the appropriateness of using core word lists as a primary resource when selecting vocabulary for beginning communicators who require AAC. I am interested in this topic because core vocabulary is popular in clinical practice, yet there has been little discussion regarding appropriate use of core word lists with beginning communicators.
Presentation Topic: Effect of a Parent Training on Vocabulary Use for Beginning Communicators with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF)
Additional Information: Emily Laubscher (from AAC.PSU.EDU)