RADD Lab

04/22/2026

Today we highlight Latrell Massey, who is graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Human Biology. During his time at MSU Latrell was a student in the Lyman Briggs College with a goal of becoming a physician-scientist. He has been actively involved in research, leadership, and community engagement.

In the RADD Lab, Latrell contributed to AAC-focused research by coding videos for the FamTAM project to better understand communication between children who use AAC and their caregivers. He presented this work at UURAF (April 2025, Human Development category) titled “Digital Intervention to Support SLPs & Families in Enhancing Communication Outcomes for Children Using AAC.” He also worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Veenema Lab, gaining experience in neuroscience research, and was honored to receive the Lyman Briggs Research Fellowship and Honors College Research Scholarship.

Beyond research, Latrell also founded The Neurodiversity Network and served as the President and Senior Advisor. He led advocacy initiatives and built a community for neurodivergent students. He was recognized for this work with the Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Award and the Volunteer Service Award.

Latrell's clinical and service experiences also include serving as a CLCD Summer Intern in Ghana, where he rotated through hospital units and worked with children with cerebral palsy and autism, volunteering in the pediatric department at Sparrow Hospital alongside Child Life staff, mentoring students as an MSU Pathway to Research Advisor, and participating in nine service trips with The Pearl Project MSU supporting young children in under-resourced communities.

After graduation, Latrell plans to take a gap year to continue gaining clinical and research experience and will engage in service initiatives before applying to MD-PhD programs.

Bravo Latrell! We are so proud of all you've done during your time at MSU.

04/21/2026

It's graduation time again which means we get to highlight some of the amazing research assistants who are graduating from MSU. First up is Emily Stephenson! Emily has been instrumental in helping on a dissertation project focused on the implementation of a mindfulness intervention. She is an excellent student with 4 years on the deans list. She will continue her education at Wayne State University where she will obtain a Master's degree in Social Work. We are so proud of you Emily! Can't wait to see the impact you'll make on your community.

04/06/2026

A huge shout out to Ayesha Rehman who successfully defended her thesis today focused on SLP views of augmentative and alternative communication in Pakistan. Bravo Ayesha!

04/05/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Douglas and graduate student Ayesha Rehman on "Facilitating Development During Pretend Play for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder," published in Young Exceptional Children: http://spr.ly/6186B6oMqq.

04/02/2026

Autism awareness day from South Africa. Check out this great organization here spreading awareness and acceptance.

Autism South Africa  Who is Autism South Africa? Autism South Africa (A;SA) aspires to achieving a society in which autistic people enjoy all rights and opportunities to meet their needs and fulfil their potential, throughout their lives, as loved and valued members of their families and communitie...

03/21/2026

Rock your socks coming to you from Cape Town, South Africa.

03/18/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Douglas and grad students Chandani Bhandari and Emily Jensen, on "Stress and Coping among Family Caregivers of Children with Down Syndrome: a Meta-synthesis of Qualitative Research" published in the Review Journal of Autism and Development Disorders: http://spr.ly/6182B6rvLY.

02/25/2026

The PhD programme at the CAAC featured an onsite week from 26 to 30 January, during which students participated in constructive, critical discussions with their peers and supervisors to refine their research studies.

Prof Sarah Douglas (Michigan State University, Michigan) joined the sessions, offering students valuable feedback and sharing her expertise in Qualitative Meta-Syntheses.

The students had the opportunity to gain insights from Dr Chitrali R. Mamlekar (Communication in Healthcare and Assistive Technology (CHAT) Lab, Misericordia University, Pennsylvania), who shared practical, evidence-based guidance on conducting sound AAC research in the field of Aphasia.

Saba Sedegi, a visiting PhD student from University of Ottawa (Canada) also joined the onsite week. The students had the opportunity to engage with Dr Cathy Flores, a CAAC PhD alumna, who shared reflections on her doctoral journey and offered guidance on navigating the PhD process.

02/13/2026

Does your child use AAC? This article provides some great insights into how you can help ensure they gain reading and writing skills.

AAC can play a powerful role in literacy development, helping children build language and participate more fully in school and everyday life. Explore how AAC can foster literacy, what tools and devices work best for supporting writing, how speech therapists can help, and more.

02/06/2026

Bravo Dr. Douglas and colleagues!

Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Douglas on her recent publications!
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology: http://spr.ly/6182hKjXm
Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions: http://spr.ly/6188hKjXs
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities: http://spr.ly/6184hKjXI

01/15/2026

We're pretty excited to see a Barbie with AAC. Way to go Mattel!

💚 At Evolve, we’re really pleased to see the release of the new Autistic Barbie and the conversations it’s sparking around neurodiversity and inclusion.

What stands out most to us is the inclusion of an AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) board.
Pre-verbal, non-verbal and partially verbal communication is still rarely talked about, despite being a core part of many autistic people’s lived experience. AAC can include objects, signing, visual supports and electronic devices, and can be used alongside spoken language or as an alternative to it. Seeing AAC represented by a major brand helps individuals recognise their own communication methods as valid, understood and worth celebrating.

We also appreciate the thoughtful details:
- noise-reducing headphones
- a fidget spinner
- loose-fitting clothing and flat shoes
- articulated limbs, allowing for movement and stimming
(Although we do recognise that not every person with autism will use or align with these devices.)
Barbie is also noted to have an eye gaze that shifts slightly left to represent those who find eye contact challenging.

While Barbie has always had a recognisable body type, we see this doll as a meaningful step forward in representation and visibility. For many individuals, it’s less about perfection and more about finally seeing themselves - or their loved ones - reflected in a mainstream toy.

Representation matters, but can be difficult to get exactly right when we are all so different to one another. But when we see our differences acknowledged rather than hidden, it supports identity, confidence, and pride in who we are.

We'd love to know your thoughts and feelings on Autistic Barbie in the comments below 💬

01/15/2026

Way to go Dr. Dunkel-Jackson!!!

Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Dunkel-Jackson who was recently named on the Hockey New's annual change maker list for her work with Hockey Challenge Camp: http://spr.ly/6189CIAol