Rigorous Science,
Human-Centered Purpose
At the LEXA lab, we conduct rigorous research on language, literacy, and communication development in autistic children through a multimethod, interdisciplinary approach that bridges psycholinguistics, developmental psychology, educational psychology, and special education, using behavioral measures, standardized assessments, school data, parent/teacher reports, and large-scale data.
Our Mission
The LEXA Lab focuses on understanding and promoting language, literacy and communication development in autistic children, with a particular focus on the interaction with executive function. The overarching goal of all the research projects is to empower autistic children to become effective learners and communicators.
Basic Science
Identifying the underlying mechanisms of how children learn and communicate in their natural, everyday environment.
Discover the fundamental mechanism underlying language, literacy, and communication development in autistic children
Inclusion
Ensuring research reflects the diverse experiences of all families, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities.
Application
Translating lab findings into practical, usable tools for educators, clinicians, and parents who work directly with children every day.
What We Study
Our research is organized around questions that families, educators, and clinicians regularly ask about children's development.
How do autistic children develop language?
We investigate the neurobiological and developmental mechanisms underlying receptive and expressive language development in autistic children. Our goal is to better understand the factors that contribute to the heterogeneous language profiles across the autism spectrum.
What makes literacy development different for autistic children?
We study how structural language skills and executive function contribute to literacy development in autistic children. By identifying the unique pathways that shape various reading and writing outcomes, we aim to inform evidence-based strategies that support autistic children’s literacy development at school and at home.
How does executive function support language, literacy, and everyday communication in autistic children?
We examined how executive function skills, such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and attention support language and literacy development as well as everyday communication in autistic children. Our research seeks to identify how these cognitive processes influence learning and communication in preschool- and school-aged autistic children.
How can we build on a child's strengths?
Our goal is to identify what children can do, not only where they face difficulty. We look for ways to build on existing strengths and give families and educators concrete information they can use.
Designed With Your Family in Mind
We know that participating in research requires trust, and we take that seriously. Our studies are designed to be sensory-friendly and respectful of your child's and family's individual needs.
- Sensory-calm, welcoming lab environments
- Scheduling designed to work for your family whenever possible
- Clear communication about what to expect before, during, and after each visit
- Participation is always voluntary and confidential
Training the Next Generation
LEXA Lab is an active training environment for graduate and undergraduate students at GSU. We provide hands-on experience in study design, data collection, behavioral coding, and advanced analytical methods.
Students who train with us develop skills in developmental science, communication research, and clinical reasoning, preparing them for graduate programs, research careers, and clinical practice.
