The PSU AAC Community is pleased to announce: Jessica Gosnell Caron successfully defended her dissertation, completing the final milestone in her doctoral pursuits!
Dr. Caron presented her work regarding, “Effects of adapted instruction on the acquisition of letter-sound correspondences and sight words by pre-adolescent and adolescent learners with complex communication needs and autism spectrum disorders.” Two studies were conducted in order to investigate the impact of adapted instruction on the acquisition of letter-sound correspondences (Study 1) and sight words (Study 2). A multiple baseline across behaviors (letter-sound sets or sight word sets) research design was used to evaluate the effects of the adapted instructions. Results of these studies provide evidence that older learners with limited literacy success, severe disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and CCN can acquire letter-sound correspondences and sight words through direct instruction combined with meaningful and motivating activities.
This research is part of a robust body of work that Jess has contributed to the field across a range of areas, including:
– “My world has expanded even though I’m stuck at home…,” Publication, 2015
– “Social media has opened a world of ‘Open Communication:’” Publication, 2015
– AAC Intervention with JIT Technology & VSDs with Adolescents, ASHA 2015 Presentation
– Acquiring Communicative Competence on Social Media, ASHA 2015 Presentation
– “We Bought an iPad” Publication, 2015
– Mobile Device and App Selection: Who’s Driving the Decision Process?, ISAAC 2014 Presentation
– Merging Traditional Techniques With iDevices & AAC , ASHA 2013 Seminar
– Mobile Devices and Communication Apps: Current Trends and Future Directions – Webcast
In 2014, Jess’ research was also recognized with a doctoral scholarship by the ASHFoundation New Century Scholars Dreams and Possibilities initiative.
We are incredibly excited to see Dr. Caron’s work continue!