Workshop on Autism Communication Enhancement

Individuals with autism demonstrate difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication. The Foundation supports projects aimed at investigating communication difficulties as well as communication capacities and options for individuals with autism. The study of communication modalities, with a translational orientation, is essential to developing support systems that may enhance the quality of life for many children and adults with autism. The Boston Club on “Autism Communication Enhancement” developed out of the Foundation’s strong interest in exploring communication options for people with autism and was aimed at both enhancing our understanding of this area and helping the Foundation to develop new funding programs and initiatives.

Cognitive Neural Prosthetics 
Richard Andersen, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology

The Action of a Greeting Does Not Come Naturally: Autism and the Struggle for Performance 
Douglas Biklen, Ph.D., Syracuse University

Shared and Specific Muscle Synergies in Natural Motor Behaviors 
Emilio Bizzi, M.D., Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Jamie Burke

Sheree Burke

Facilitated Communication and Eye-Tracking
Andy Grayson, Ph.D., Nottingham Trent University

Al Galaburda, MD, Harvard Medical School

Dasher- Fast, Free, Fun Communication Through an Automated Facilitator 
David MacKay, Ph.D., University of Cambridge

2005

The Smith Family Foundation, Chestnut Hill, MA