Conversations on Autism & Sign Language (CASL): Unlocking the Emergence of Social Communication

The inaugural C.A.S.L. was a unique event designed to encourage bold new ways of thinking about how the drive and capacity for communication emerges. By considering the nature of communication in communities of individuals with Autism and those who use Sign Language, C.A.S.L. aims to improve the quality of life and humanistic appreciation of individuals for whom social communication can sometimes be difficult. The insights that emerged from this workshop are meant to aid in decreasing social challenges for these groups. C.A.S.L. featured three groups of world-renowned researchers from around the country: a group of linguists who devote their careers to the study of sign languages; a group of researchers who study communicative abilities in autism; and a group of scholars who explored the connection between the two areas of research. In addition, the workshop engaged and included members of the community (from New York and beyond) who themselves identify as having autism. Students also attended this conference, which excited their interest in service-centered applied research and learning. 

Please click on the link below to view a more detailed summary of the discussions which took place at the conference.

Conversations on Autism and Sign Language (CASL): Unlocking the Emergence of Social Communication