Faculty / Staff Resources Student Resources
University of Southern California
University of Southern California
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
X/Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
News and Events
News and Events

Chan in the Media
Autism

Show tag list

2023

AI could help in the early diagnosis of autism, USC study finds ⟩

Leigh Hopper, in USC Today | December 20, 2023
Results indicate an “easy and novel” way to detect autism spectrum disorders, paving the way for tailored therapeutic approaches.
Artificial Intelligence Autism Research Technology

Easing sensory sensitivities in the clinic: Q&A with Leah Stein Duker ⟩

Calli McMurray, in Spectrum | June 30, 2023
Spectrum spoke with Leah Stein Duker — lead author of a new study published in JAMA Network Open earlier this month — about how simple modifications to the sensory environment can make health care experiences less fraught for autistic children with sensory sensitivities.
Autism Faculty Research

Pediatric occupational therapist details challenges, rewards of job ⟩

Ghadeer Ghloum, in Kuwait Times | June 27, 2023
Pediatric occupational therapist Eman Jaafer Abdullah took Kuwait Times on a journey to explore a day in her life that is almost never without surprises, as she spends most of her time in the company of children, which brings unexpected disruptions, such as getting injured while dealing with children with different abilities and special needs. Kuwait Times discovered the sacrifices that healthcare professionals make, alongside the great rewards that come from their work and life.
Alumni Autism Global Initiatives

2022

Building TRUST and Sharing Expertise: Stakeholders Working Together Conference Will Take Place on November 4 & 5, 2022 with vFairs as Technology Partner ⟩

Syeda Hamna Hassan, in vfairs.com | November 1, 2022
The University of Southern California Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy will host the Building TRUST and Sharing Expertise: Stakeholders Working Together Conference on the 4th & 5th of November, 2022. The conference will bring together autistic self-advocates, families and caregivers, researchers, and clinicians to discuss the importance of stakeholder engagement in autism research and sensory processing. The virtual event is free to attend, and anyone who is interested in learning more about sensory processing, autism and stakeholder engagement can register here.
Autism Community and Partners Conferences Events Research

Sensory Processing in Infants: A Conversation with Dr. Grace Baranek ⟩

The Real Spectrum | August 9, 2022
Q&A with Associate Dean and Chair Dr. Grace Baranek and The Real Spectrum, a blog written from the sibling’s perspective on the autistic brain.
Autism Faculty Research

DDI on Autism featuring Grace Baranek and Claire Chen ⟩

DDI on Autism hosted by Dr. Michael Romas, in 103.9FM LI News Radio | JVC Broadcasting | July 2, 2022
Associate Dean and Chair Grace Baranek and alumna Claire Chen PhD ’21, postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University’s Offord Centre for Child Studies, discuss their research on the detection of early markers of autism and their potential for increasing access and timeliness to early intervention services.
Autism Faculty Podcasts

Possible new ASD screening method found ⟩

Angie Mendoza, in Daily Trojan | March 30, 2022
The Daily Trojan recaps the Mar. 2 article published in Child Development by the insp!re lab research team led by Grace Baranek and John Sideris.
Autism Faculty Research Students

2021

A Conversation with Allison Phillips, Occupational Therapist ⟩

The Hamilton Review [Spotify] | October 19, 2021
Join us for the latest episode of The Hamilton Review Podcast! In this conversation, Dr. Bob Hamilton sits down with Allison Phillips, a Los Angeles-based occupational therapist. Parents, this is a must-listen conversation that will answer questions and ease the fears that many parents of young children may deal with. Enjoy this great conversation and share with a friend!
Autism Clinical Faculty Podcasts

A Safe Space in the Dental Clinic ⟩

NIDCR Science News | March 23, 2021
Multidisciplinary teams create soothing dental environments for children with autism.
Autism Research

2019

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder make up 12% of disabled student population at El Camino College ⟩

Rosemary Montalvo, in El Camino College — The Union | May 29, 2019
The type of assistance that is needed by students with autism varies from person to person and depends on the proactiveness of the student to request accommodations, but sometimes, schools fail to meet every accommodation needed by some students, Tracy Jalaba an assistant professor of clinical occupational therapy at USC told The Union.
Autism Clinical Diversity, Access, Equity Faculty

Is there a link between gut bacteria and autism? A first-of-its-kind study investigates ⟩

Mike McNulty, in USC Today | May 2, 2019
Backed by a Department of Defense grant, USC and UCLA researchers will explore gastrointestinal bacteria’s potential role in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Autism Awards Community and Partners Research

2018

Group Helps Get Kids With Autism Get Through Dental Visits ⟩

KCBS2-TV/KCAL9-TV | June 8, 2018
Research study changes exam room to be more friendly for children on autism spectrum
Autism Health and Wellness Research

2016

Neuroimaging helps reveal brain-body links in autism research ⟩

Mike McNulty, in USC Today | April 26, 2016
Researcher uses state-of-the-art techniques to assess the brain’s ability to turn sensory information into a motor response
Autism Awards Faculty Research Technology

2015

Can researchers enhance the dental experience for children with autism? ⟩

Mike McNulty, in USC News | June 15, 2015
Record-setting grant will help USC division study sensory stimuli that lessen a child’s anxiety during oral care
Associations and Bodies Autism Awards Research

2014

Children with autism dread the dentist, but USC research may help ⟩

Rob Russow, in USC Today | April 25, 2014
Sharon Cermak wants to make the experience more kid-friendly
Autism Health and Wellness Research

2012

Autism symposium highlighted by personal experiences ⟩

Mike McNulty, in USC News | March 16, 2012
Speakers shared their innovative research, clinical practices or personal perspectives during “Autism in Everyday Life: Interdisciplinary Research Perspectives at USC.”
Alumni Autism Conferences Events Lectures and Talks

Expert lectures on multisensory integration ⟩

Kimberly Perring, in USC News | January 23, 2012
The USC Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and the university’s Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute (ZNI) co-hosted Mark T. Wallace, director of the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, at a Jan. 13 seminar focusing on his most recent research on sensory and multisensory integration in autism.
Autism Community and Partners Lectures and Talks

2011

Grant Awarded to Study Dental Environments ⟩

Vivian Tang, in USC News | October 12, 2011
A two-year grant of $531,376 has been awarded to the USC Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Associations and Bodies Autism Awards Research

2008

USC study analyzes use of therapy dogs for rehabilitation of autistic patients ⟩

Beth Newcomb, in USC News | July 11, 2008
Solomon, research assistant professor in USC’s Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, is investigating the social benefits of therapy animals for autistic children.
Autism Awards Health and Wellness Research