supported communication non speakers vikram jaswal

EPISODE 115
Establishing the Authenticity of
Supported Communication for Non-Speakers.
A Discussion with Vikram Jaswal, Ph.D.

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Show Notes

One of the most important cutting-edge discoveries for autistic and neurodivergent individuals is that non-speakers, many of them previously thought to be intellectually disabled and non-communicative, are now able to demonstrate their knowledge and share their experiences through supported communication. With their guest, psychology professor Dr. Vikram Jaswal, Barry and Dave discuss recent research and our evolving understanding of non-speakers who were and still are so misunderstood. 

 

Learn more about Jaswsal Lab

RESOURCES

Full publication list
Literacy Study
Communicative agency (eye-tracking) study
Experiencing social connection study
Interview with Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism about communication and nonspeaking people
NYT op-ed on social motivation and autistic people


Featuring

Vikram Jaswal

VIKRAM JASWAL

Vikram Jaswal, Ph.D. is Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia. He is a developmental psychologist whose work has addressed a range of topics in cognitive, social, and language development. His current research focuses on communication and social interaction in autism. His work is inspired and informed by the lived experiences of autistic children and adults and their families.

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

  1. What has Vikram learned by getting to know and observing non-speakers over time? Have you had similar experiences with students or family members?
  2. What are the biggest misconceptions/misunderstandings about non-speaking individuals?
  3. Please review your understanding of the goals of research conducted by Vikram and his colleagues. What is most striking to you about the vision and mission of the lab? What are some of the important questions he intends to address? 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.