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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Repurposing Consumer Products as a Gateway to Just-in-Time Communication. Semin Speech Lang. 2017 09; 38(4):297-312. View Abstract
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
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
Effects of environmental sounds on the guessability of animated graphic symbols. Augment Altern Commun. 2014 Dec; 30(4):298-313. View Abstract
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
Autism spectrum disorders in the era of mobile technologies: impact on caregivers. Dev Neurorehabil. 2014 Apr; 17(2):110-4. View Abstract
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
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
Appreciating Asperger syndrome: implications for better care and outcomes. Cleve Clin J Med. 2012 Dec; 79(12):872-4. View Abstract
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
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
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
Using AAC technology to access the world. Assist Technol. 2011; 24(1):3-13. View Abstract
Access to AAC: present, past, and future. Augment Altern Commun. 2007 Sep; 23(3):243-57. View Abstract
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
Visual language for survival: enhancing language for person on the autism spectrum. Book in preparation. 2004. View Abstract
Connecting AAC devices to the world of information technology. Assist Technol. 2002; 14(1):81-9. View Abstract
Connecting AAC devices to the world of information technology. AAC: Alternative and Augmentative Communication. 2002; 81-9. View Abstract
The Children's Hospital guide to your child's health and development. 2001. View Abstract
Evaluations of children who have disclosed sexual abuse via facilitated communication. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995 Nov; 149(11):1288-9. View Abstract
Dysarthric speakers; intelligibility and speech characteristics in relation to computer speech recognition. Augmentative and Alternative Communication Journal. 1995; (September):165-174. View Abstract
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
Science, reason and facilitated communication. Journal of the Associaton for Person with Severe Handicaps. 1994; (July):151-172. View Abstract
ed. The clinical and sociological phenomenon of facilitated communication. 1994; 24. View Abstract
An examination of the role of the facilitator in facilitated communication. American Journal of Speech and Language Pathology. 1994; (September):48-54. View Abstract
Alternative and augmentative communication. Halpern ed. Communication disorders. 1986. View Abstract
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
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
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
Augmentative communication. McCormick L, Shiefelbush R, eds. Early language intervention. 1984; 140-189. View Abstract
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
Facilitating the communicative interactions of non-speaking persons in large residential settings. Topics in Language Disorders. 1982; 73-84. View Abstract
An overview of augmentative communication. Lass N, Northern J, Mcreynolds J, Yoder D, eds. Speech Language and Hearing. 1982; 875-890. View Abstract
Working with the nonspeaking person: an interview with Howard Shane. ASHA. 1981 Aug; 23(8):561-4. View Abstract
. The value of toys.
In: Communication Outlook. 1981; 1-3-8. View Abstract
Early decision making in augmentative communication. Shiefelbush R, Bricker D, eds. Early language intervention. 1981; 389-426. View Abstract
Election criteria for the adoption of an augmentative communication system: preliminary considerations. J Speech Hear Disord. 1980 Aug; 45(3):408-14. View Abstract
Prediction of expressive sign potential based on motor control. Sign Language Studies. 1980; (Winter):331-48. View Abstract
Approaches to assessing the communication of persons who are non-oral. Shiefelbush R, ed. Non-speech Language and Hearing.
. 1980; 197-224. View Abstract
Interaction with the non-speaking child. Umbreit J, Cardullias, ed. Education the severely physically handicapped: Basic Principles and Techniques. 1980; 180-208. View Abstract
Approaching communication training with the severely handicapped. Training the severely handicapped. 1979; 155-179. View Abstract
Treatment for the multiply handicapped. Annual Abstracts in speech, language and hearing. 1979; 183-200. View Abstract
Approaching communication training with the severely handicapped. In: Training the severely handicapped. 1979; 155-179. View Abstract
The effect of auditory rhythmic stimulation on articulatory accuracy in apraxia of speech. Cortex. 1978 Sep; 14(3):444-50. View Abstract
Communication boards: help for the child unable to talk. Exceptional Parent. 1978; F19-22. View Abstract
Use of the problem-oriented medical record in the speech and hearing profession. ASHA. 1977 Mar; 19(3):157-9. View Abstract
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
The elicitation of latent oral communicative potential in a severely handicapped adult: procedures and implication. AAESP Review. 1977; 202-08. View Abstract
A guidebook for the laryngectomy. 1977. View Abstract
The efficacy of utilizing the initial teaching alphabet for aphonic communication. Proceedings:
1974 Conference on Engineering Devices in Rehabilitation. 1974; 68-91. View Abstract
Command performance: a behavior modification technique in a game format. Mental Retardation. 1974; (12):18-20. View Abstract