Research News, Campus News See Spot. See Spot run. Learning a language seems so simple when we recall the old primers from our early years in school. But everything breaks down when a child has autism. It becomes nearly impossible to even look at Spot, let alone to learn that Spot is a dog.
Researchers believe two brain functions work together as language is acquired in childhood.
Donna Murray, a doctoral candidate in communication sciences and disorders, received one of two Distinguished Dissertation awards this year for her ground-breaking research examining the problem and helping to test a potential treatment. This award is an honor, but it's also a sign that autism is seen as a valued area for research. She admits she didn't set out to become an expert on autism, but her first job after graduate school in Louisville set her on a course that her adviser says will nearly assure her of national prominence. Donna's is really a very timely topic, helping us learn more about autism. She has a million ideas.