Autism

Birdie Ganz’s research focuses on the implementation and evaluation of communication interventions for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. More specifically, they work with augmentative and alternative communication interventions. Other areas of expertise include caregiver coaching and single case experimental design and meta-analysis. They have received over $5.8 million in external grants to fund research and training projects. (Updated July 2025)

Ciara Ousley is a board-certified behavior analyst - doctoral and former special educator. Her research and publications focus on supporting the social communication skills of young children with autism and other developmental disabilities through speech and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She is also an expert in parent/family-implemented supports, naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions, social communication and more. Ousley serves as the director of the Social Communication for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (SCADD) lab, where the main goal is to design and implement efficient training and coaching practices for adults and family members working with young children with social communication needs to increase the child’s independent communication skills. (Updated July 2025)

Sungeun Kang’s primary research interests focus on improving access to autism diagnosis and related services for families. She examines school-based interventions designed to support effective learning and engagement among autistic youth. Additionally, her research includes training caregivers in evidence-based practices and fostering positive partnerships between educators and families of children with disabilities. Her other areas of expertise include developing culturally flexible approaches to caregiver training, school-based support for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, community-engaged research, family-school partnerships, and cross-cultural research on autism. (Updated August 2025).