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Real-World
Impacts

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Within our insp!re lab, we seek to better understand how infants and caregivers communicate, which we hope will improve the lives of families.

About Our Research

Our research seeks to understand “real people” in “real lives” and serve tangible societal needs to improve human health, quality of life, and well-being. We mobilize knowledge for use by accelerating the movement of discoveries and best practices into active uses that lead to broader impacts for our communities.

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Featured Publication

A Cascading, “Sensory First” Developmental Model of Autism

Since 2013, sensory features have been recognized as one of the restricted and repetitive behavior diagnostic criteria of autism. This “editor’s choice” article co-authored by Grace Baranek summarizes the theory and research that early sensory functions and experiences have a primary role in autism. Then, the authors propose a “cascading” model of development in which autistic individuals’ social communication and repetitive behaviors are “downstream” of sensory ones.

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Thematic Clusters and Labs

An occupational therapist offers a stuffed toy to a toddler sitting at the knees of a woman who is looking down at him. They are all in front of a colorful mural.

Autism, Sensory Processing, and Neurodevelopment

A woman in a white coat watches as a reclining man slides slowly into an MRI machine, his feet extended towards to camera

Brain Function, Recovery, Neurorehabilitation, and Participation

Three people sitting around a conference table. We can see one face clearly, a woman who is speaking and gesturing. Papers on the table.

Health Services and Health Equity

A woman in a dark pantsuit explains Lifestyle Redesign medical options to a woman seated across from her in a office setting

Lifestyle Redesign® and Chronic Conditions

In a medical clinic, a short-haired man is giving an ultrasound to a blond woman. Her forearm is resting on the table and he is examining her wrist with the ultrasound wand.

Work, Health, and Occupational Engagement

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Occupations consist of our life and occupational science is everywhere. Being an occupational scientist means never taking anything for granted, which is also the way to the true meaning of life.

Yujia Mo 莫宇佳 /
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
PhD in Occupational Science /
Class of 2026

Opportunities

Training

Consider applying to one of our research training programs.

Volunteer

Volunteer in one of our research labs. See All Volunteer Opportunities.

Research Participant

If you meet the criteria, you could become part of a current research study.