Research Rookies Student Profiles
Name: Katie Janssen
Cohort: Continuing Research Rookie
Major: Speech-Language Pathology
Hometown: Minonk, Illinois
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Danai Fannin
Project Title: Adaptation of Joint Attention Treatment for Young Children with Autism
Overview: This research project will focus on the development of joint attention routines in children with autism. Goals of this project include identifying the types of play routines linked to language development in typically developing children and later developing children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). A treatment focusing on the development of joint attention routines in the context of parent-child play has shown evidence of improving language skills in children with ASD (Kasari, Freeman, & Paparella, 2006; Kasari et al., 2008). Experimental treatment expanding the context to parent-child daily activities also shows promise. Thus, providing a similar joint attention treatment would be helpful for Speech-Language Pathologists when providing treatment in schools and clinics without the parent. From this project, I want to gain knowledge of typical development, as well as learn to recognize characteristics of children with ASD and very young children who may be at risk for ASD. I hope to become familiar with children diagnosed with autism and understand how joint attention skills can help improve their language. I also want the hands-on experience of a research project to help familiarize myself with the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
Katie on what being a Research Rookie means: “Being a Research Rookie means experiencing tasks I would not otherwise get to experience in my field of study. It enables me to excel above my peers and become familiar with my field and further my education.”