Ithaca Social Communication Lab
The ISCL is directed by Dr. Matt Zellner, PhD, CCC-SLP, and supported by a team including graduate research assistants from Speech-Pathology and Audiology, undergraduates from across the College, collaborators from other institutions, and the ISCL Community Advisory Board.
What do we study?
Our work is broadly focused on answering two big questions:
- How can SLPs and other allied health professionals support the development of social communication skills and healthy relationships in autistic individuals and individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the lifespan (from tiny humans to adults)?
- What community characteristics and geographic factors influence which families and individuals can access, utilize, and benefit from autism diagnosis and early intervention services?
We utilize quantitative and qualitative methods to answer these questions using data from a variety of sources, including state and federal datasets, interviews with early intervention providers, and play sample data recorded during therapy in our clinic.
Current projects in the lab include using geographic information systems (GIS) software to examine how families' access to early intervention and autism diagnosis differs between rural and urban areas and developing new adult and pediatric social communication intervention programs that include group teaching.
Want to get involved?
For students: Dr. Zellner works with undergraduate and graduate students from SLPA and across the College on a variety of projects. If you're interested in conducting research in the ISCL (whether as a volunteer research assistant or as part of an independent study/thesis), send Dr. Zellner an email.
For community members: The ISCL is frequently looking for research participants, including autistic children and adults, parents/caregivers, and SLPs/other allied health professionals. Many studies involve free services provided at the Ewing Clinic. To stay informed about opportunities to participate, join our email list or follow us on Instagram (@icsocialcomm).
Join Project GORGES (Groups Overcoming Roadblocks to Growing self-Efficacy and Skills), an ISCL study evaluating a new program for teaching parents to use communication intervention strategies with their child with suspected or diagnosed autism.
English-speaking parents/caregivers and their children 18 months to 8 years with suspected or diagnosed autism living anywhere in New York State can participate via Zoom.