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Research Overview

Howard Shane’s research focus is on children with complex communication impairment related to autism and other developmental disorders. Currently he is studying the use of technology and visual supports to improve communication and learning in persons with autism. He is keenly interested in the development of a visual language system to both improve and augment the spoken language system for persons with autism who have difficulty processing spoken language.

Dr. Shane’s earlier research focused on the development of augmentative and alternative communication systems for persons with neuromuscular disorders.

Research Background

Dr. Shane received his PhD from Syracuse University and completed a Doctoral Fellowship at Mayo Clinic. At children’s Hospital he is the Director of the Center for Communication Enhancement and the Autism Language Program at Children’s Hospital Boston. He has designed more than a dozen computer applications used widely by persons with disabilities and holds two US Patents. Dr. Shane has received Honors of the Association Distinction and is a Fellow of the American Speech and Hearing Association. He is the recipient of the Goldenson Award for Innovations in Technology from United Cerebral Palsy Association and author of numerous papers and chapters on severe speech impairment, lectured throughout the world on the topic, and produced numerous computer innovations enjoyed by persons with complex communication disorders.

 

Publications

  1. QuickPic AAC: An AI-Based Application to Enable Just-in-Time Generation of Topic-Specific Displays for Persons Who Are Minimally Speaking. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 Aug 29; 21(9). View Abstract
  2. Using occupational therapy principles and practice to support independent message generation by individuals using AAC instead of facilitated communication. Augment Altern Commun. 2024 Mar; 40(1):12-18. View Abstract
  3. Miniature Linguistic Systems for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2023 05 09; 66(5):1802-1825. View Abstract
  4. The effect of cue type on directive-following in children with moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder. Augment Altern Commun. 2021 09; 37(3):168-179. View Abstract
  5. Providing visual directives via a smart watch to a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder: an intervention note. Augment Altern Commun. 2020 12; 36(4):249-257. View Abstract
  6. Does Animation Facilitate Understanding of Graphic Symbols Representing Verbs in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder? J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2019 04 15; 62(4):965-978. View Abstract
  7. Repurposing Consumer Products as a Gateway to Just-in-Time Communication. Semin Speech Lang. 2017 09; 38(4):297-312. View Abstract
  8. The effectiveness of aided augmented input techniques for persons with developmental disabilities: a systematic review. Augment Altern Commun. 2017 Sep; 33(3):149-159. View Abstract
  9. Brief Report: Just-in-Time Visual Supports to Children with Autism via the Apple Watch:® A Pilot Feasibility Study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Dec; 46(12):3818-3823. View Abstract
  10. Effects of environmental sounds on the guessability of animated graphic symbols. Augment Altern Commun. 2014 Dec; 30(4):298-313. View Abstract
  11. Effects of animation on naming and identification across two graphic symbol sets representing verbs and prepositions. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2014 Oct; 57(5):1779-91. View Abstract
  12. Autism spectrum disorders in the era of mobile technologies: impact on caregivers. Dev Neurorehabil. 2014 Apr; 17(2):110-4. View Abstract
  13. Exploring the feasibility of the visual language in autism program for children in an early intervention group setting: views of parents, educators, and health professionals. Dev Neurorehabil. 2014 Apr; 17(2):115-24. View Abstract
  14. Implementing directives that involve prepositions with children with autism: a comparison of spoken cues with two types of augmented input. Augment Altern Commun. 2013 Jun; 29(2):132-45. View Abstract
  15. Appreciating Asperger syndrome: implications for better care and outcomes. Cleve Clin J Med. 2012 Dec; 79(12):872-4. View Abstract
  16. Applying technology to visually support language and communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Jun; 42(6):1228-35. View Abstract
  17. Animation of graphic symbols representing verbs and prepositions: effects on transparency, name agreement, and identification. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2012 Apr; 55(2):342-58. View Abstract
  18. Identifying performing and under performing graphic symbols for verbs and prepositions in animated and static formats: a research note. Augment Altern Commun. 2011 Sep; 27(3):205-14. View Abstract
  19. Using AAC technology to access the world. Assist Technol. 2011; 24(1):3-13. View Abstract
  20. AAC technology transfer: an AAC-RERC report. Augment Altern Commun. 2009 Mar; 25(1):68-76. View Abstract
  21. Electronic screen media for persons with autism spectrum disorders: results of a survey. J Autism Dev Disord. 2008 Sep; 38(8):1499-508. View Abstract
  22. Visual Language in Autism. 2007. View Abstract
  23. Access to AAC: present, past, and future. Augment Altern Commun. 2007 Sep; 23(3):243-57. View Abstract
  24. Using visual scene displays to improve communicaiton and communicaiton instruction in persons with autism spectrum disorders. Special Interest Division 12 Augmentative and Altenative Communication. 2006; 7-13. View Abstract
  25. Visual language for survival: enhancing language for person on the autism spectrum. Book in preparation. 2004. View Abstract
  26. Connecting AAC devices to the world of information technology. Assist Technol. 2002; 14(1):81-9. View Abstract
  27. Connecting AAC devices to the world of information technology. AAC: Alternative and Augmentative Communication. 2002; 81-9. View Abstract
  28. The Children's Hospital guide to your child's health and development. 2001. View Abstract
  29. Computer Carrying Bag. 1999. View Abstract
  30. Portable Computer Housing. 1999. View Abstract
  31. Communication disorders primer for pediatric otolaryngology. Pediatric Otolaryngology: Prinicples and Practice Pathways. 1999. View Abstract
  32. Facilitated communication as an ideomotor response. Psychological Science. 1998. View Abstract
  33. Progressive neurological diseases and aac: functional solutions. Team Rehab. 1998; 22-24. View Abstract
  34. Companion. 1997. View Abstract
  35. Evaluations of children who have disclosed sexual abuse via facilitated communication. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995 Nov; 149(11):1288-9. View Abstract
  36. Dysarthric speakers; intelligibility and speech characteristics in relation to computer speech recognition. Augmentative and Alternative Communication Journal. 1995; (September):165-174. View Abstract
  37. What if...: a plea to professionals to consider the risk-benefit ratio of facilitated communication. Ment Retard. 1994 Aug; 32(4):300-4; discussion 314-7. View Abstract
  38. Science, reason and facilitated communication. Journal of the Associaton for Person with Severe Handicaps. 1994; (July):151-172. View Abstract
  39. ed. The clinical and sociological phenomenon of facilitated communication. 1994; 24. View Abstract
  40. Facilitated communication: Why it isn't real. Clinically Speaking Newsletter. 1994; 1-3-5. View Abstract
  41. An examination of the role of the facilitator in facilitated communication. American Journal of Speech and Language Pathology. 1994; (September):48-54. View Abstract
  42. FC: Facilitated or 'factitious' communication. Communicating Together. 1993; 11-13(June). View Abstract
  43. Facilitated communication: The claims versus the evidence. The Harvard Mental Health Letter. 1993; 4-5. View Abstract
  44. The dark side of facilitated communication. Topics in Language Disorders. 1993; IX-XV(August). View Abstract
  45. The unpopular position on facilitated communication. Down Syndrome News. 1993; (May):48. View Abstract
  46. Impact of aac on natural speech production. Paper Presented at NIDRR Consensus Validation Conference. 1992. View Abstract
  47. VoisShapes. 1991. View Abstract
  48. WriteAway. 1991. View Abstract
  49. Clinical factors affecting speech I/O. Proceedings from the visionary conference, Folds R, Mineo B, eds. 1990. View Abstract
  50. Augmentative communication considerations. Pediatric Otolaryngology. 1990. View Abstract
  51. Augmentative communication considerations in pediatric otolaryngology. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 1989 Jun; 22(3):501-17. View Abstract
  52. Technology to enhance work opportunities for persons with severe disabilities. Economics, industry, and disability. 1988. View Abstract
  53. Goals and uses of augmentative and alternative communication. Augmentative communication. 1988. View Abstract
  54. Scan and Speak. 1987. View Abstract
  55. Alternative and augmentative communication. Halpern ed. Communication disorders. 1986. View Abstract
  56. Computer-based communications aids for the non-speaking child with cerebral palsy. Mysak E,ed Seminars in Speech and Language New York, Thieme-Stratton Inc. 1986; 248-283. View Abstract
  57. Software Development: Message Maker, Scanning Version. 1986. View Abstract
  58. Touch and Speak. 1986. View Abstract
  59. The child with speech and language deficits. Sheiner AP, Abrams IF, eds. The practical management of the developmentally disabled child. 1985; 211-235. View Abstract
  60. Selection of augmentative communicative systems. Cherow E, Matkin NI and Trybus R, eds. Hearing impaired developmentally disabled individuals: An interdisciplinary look at a special population. 1985; 270-292. View Abstract
  61. Software Development. 1985. View Abstract
  62. Augmentative communication. McCormick L, Shiefelbush R, eds. Early language intervention. 1984; 140-189. View Abstract
  63. Characteristics of a non-speaking population under consideration for an augmentative communication system. Hogg J, Mittler PJ, eds. Advances in mental handicap. 1984; 95-138. View Abstract
  64. Facilitating the communicative interactions of non-speaking persons in large residential settings. Topics in Language Disorders. 1982; 73-84. View Abstract
  65. An overview of augmentative communication. Lass N, Northern J, Mcreynolds J, Yoder D, eds. Speech Language and Hearing. 1982; 875-890. View Abstract
  66. Working with the nonspeaking person: an interview with Howard Shane. ASHA. 1981 Aug; 23(8):561-4. View Abstract
  67. . The value of toys. In: Communication Outlook. 1981; 1-3-8. View Abstract
  68. Early decision making in augmentative communication. Shiefelbush R, Bricker D, eds. Early language intervention. 1981; 389-426. View Abstract
  69. Election criteria for the adoption of an augmentative communication system: preliminary considerations. J Speech Hear Disord. 1980 Aug; 45(3):408-14. View Abstract
  70. Prediction of expressive sign potential based on motor control. Sign Language Studies. 1980; (Winter):331-48. View Abstract
  71. Approaches to assessing the communication of persons who are non-oral. Shiefelbush R, ed. Non-speech Language and Hearing. . 1980; 197-224. View Abstract
  72. Interaction with the non-speaking child. Umbreit J, Cardullias, ed. Education the severely physically handicapped: Basic Principles and Techniques. 1980; 180-208. View Abstract
  73. Approaching communication training with the severely handicapped. Training the severely handicapped. 1979; 155-179. View Abstract
  74. Treatment for the multiply handicapped. Annual Abstracts in speech, language and hearing. 1979; 183-200. View Abstract
  75. Approaching communication training with the severely handicapped. In: Training the severely handicapped. 1979; 155-179. View Abstract
  76. The effect of auditory rhythmic stimulation on articulatory accuracy in apraxia of speech. Cortex. 1978 Sep; 14(3):444-50. View Abstract
  77. Communication boards: help for the child unable to talk. Exceptional Parent. 1978; F19-22. View Abstract
  78. Use of the problem-oriented medical record in the speech and hearing profession. ASHA. 1977 Mar; 19(3):157-9. View Abstract
  79. I've never seen a person who doesn't communicate. In: Mealtimes for the severely and profoundly handicapped: New concepts and attitudes. Mealtimes for the severely and profoundly handicapped: new concepts and attitudes. 1977; 21-40. View Abstract
  80. The elicitation of latent oral communicative potential in a severely handicapped adult: procedures and implication. AAESP Review. 1977; 202-08. View Abstract
  81. A guidebook for the laryngectomy. 1977. View Abstract
  82. The efficacy of utilizing the initial teaching alphabet for aphonic communication. Proceedings: 1974 Conference on Engineering Devices in Rehabilitation. 1974; 68-91. View Abstract
  83. Command performance: a behavior modification technique in a game format. Mental Retardation. 1974; (12):18-20. View Abstract

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