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Advancing Discovery. Embracing Differences. Enabling Communication. Presuming Ability.
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Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Ashlyn L. Smith, Ph.D., Associate Clinical Researcher

Overview

At the Hussman Institute for Autism, my research focuses on enhancing the communicative competence of young children with autism by providing parents and other communication partners with strategies to incorporate AAC into their daily lives. Specifically, my colleagues and I have developed a communication protocol that provides a model for coaching parents and other communication partners to use AAC with their children by presuming competence, following the child’s lead, providing opportunities for communication, modeling, and reinforcing communicative attempts.  Additionally, I will be investigating collateral effects this may have on the family system in the areas of psychosocial well-being and sibling relationships.

Current Opportunities:

Research Participation Opportunity: Communication Coaching for Parents

Research Participation Opportunity: Communication Coaching for Parents

Team

View Bio

Ashlyn L. Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Clinical Researcher

Contact Information

Ashlyn L. Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Clinical Researcher

Augmentative & Alternative
Communication Research Group

Program on Supports
Hussman Institute for Autism
5521 Research Park Drive
Catonsville, MD 21228
443-860-2580 ext. 708
asmith@hussmanautism.org

  • “The soul must be loved as it is.”

    Jamie Burke
  • “Autism awareness can’t stop with a list of what makes people with autism different from us. Because what is essential is the constant awareness of what makes us the same.”

    John P. Hussman, Ph.D., Director
  • “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

    The Little Prince

    Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • “We agree with the view that presuming competence is the least dangerous assumption.”

    John P. Hussman, Ph.D., Director
  • “Autism is not disability.”

    Jamie Burke
  • “We are just like you, with the same desires, and just need help to be typical members of society.”

    Sue Rubin
  • “In the end, the best argument for inclusion is the simplest. It’s the one we know by heart – that all of us are created equal.”

    John P. Hussman, Ph.D., Director
Subscribe & Stay Informed
Recent Activity:
  • Autism Kit for First Responders
    April 21, 2022
  • Supporting Students with Special Needs: Online Training Modules for School-Based Professionals who Support Students with Disabilities
    April 16, 2019
  • Parental optimism, school inclusion may affect long-term progress of individuals with autism
    April 12, 2016
  • Young adults with autism increase empathic communication with training
    March 24, 2016

Careers | Contact

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Administration & Program on Autism Supports
Hussman Institute for Autism
6021 University Blvd, Ste 490
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone 443-860-2580 | Email info@hussmanautism.org

Research Laboratories
Hussman Institute for Autism
1011 Sunnybrook Road, Ninth Floor
Miami, FL 33136
Phone 443-860-2580 | Email info@hussmanautism.org

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