Autism Lab

People

Cindy Gevarter, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Cindy Gevarter, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Students

  • Jessica Nico
  • Richelle McGuire
  • Barbora Basista

Topics Studied

Our lab conducts research aimed at determining individualized and effective approaches for improving communication outcomes for young children with early signs or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. We are particularly interested in research surrounding augmentative and alternative communication, prelinguistic and early language intervention, naturalistic approaches, and collaboration between parents and providers across disciplines.

Current Projects

  • Individualized communication assessment, intervention, and communication partner training for learners with autism spectrum disorder and limited speech
  • Project SCENES (Social-Communication: Collaborating Early with Naturalistic Evidence-Based Supports)

Selected Publications

Gevarter, C., Prieto, V., Binger, C., & Hartley, M. (2023). Dynamic assessment of action verb symbols for children with ASD. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. 7(3), 329–343.https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-022-00312-3

Gevarter, C., Najar, A. M., & Siciliano, M. (2023). Teaching children with autism to create multi-symbol messages on augmentative alternative communication applications during play. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders.7(3), 314–328.https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-022-00254-w

Gevarter, C., Siciliano, M. G., & Stone, E. (2022). Early interventionists’ knowledge of evidence-based practices for autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 37(4), 203–214. https://doi.org/10.1177/10883576221099895

Gevarter, C. Najar, A.M*, Flake, J.* , Tapia-Alvidrez,, F., Lucero, A. (2021). Naturalistic communication training for early intervention providers and Latinx parents of children with signs of autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. https://doi-org.libproxy.unm.edu/10.1007/s10882-021-09794-w

Carnett, A., Martin, C. & Gevarter, C. (2021). Evaluating augmentative and alternativecommunication modalities for individuals with developmental disabilities: a brief review of the last 5 years. Current Developmental Disorders Reports. https://doi-org.libproxy.unm.edu/10.1007/s40474-021-00226-0

Gevarter, C., Groll, M*., & Stone, E.* (2020). Dynamic assessment of augmentative andalternative communication application grid formats and communicative targets for children with autism spectrum disorder. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 36 (4) 226-237. doi:10.1080/07434618.2020.1845236

Gevarter, C., Horan, K., & Sigafoos, J. (2020). Teaching preschoolers with autism to usedifferent speech-generating device display formats during play: Intervention and secondary ractors. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools.  https://doi-org.libproxy.unm.edu/10.1044/2020_LSHSS-19-00092

Johnston, S. S., Blue, C., Gevarter, C., Ivy, S., & Stegenga, S. (2020) Opportunity barriers and promising practices for supporting individuals with complex communication needs.Current Developmental Disorders Reports. Advance online publication. https://doi-org.libproxy.unm.edu/10.1007/s40474-020-00195-w

Gevarter, C., & Zamora, C. (2018). Naturalistic speech-generating device interventions for children with complex communication needs: A systematic review of single-subject studies. American Journal of Speech-language Pathology, 27(3), 1073-1090. doi:10.1044/2018_ajslp-17-0128

Gevarter, C., O'Reilly, M. F., Sammarco, N., Ferguson, R., Watkins, L., Kuhn, M., & Sigafoos, J. (2018). Comparison of schematic and taxonomic speech generating devices for children with ASD. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 53(2), 222-238. doi:10.1080/10400435.2016.1143411

Gevarter, C., & Horan, K. (2018). A behavioral intervention package to increase vocalizations of individuals with autism during speech-generating device intervention.  Journal of Behavioral Education. 28(1), 141–167. doi:10.1007/s10864-018-9300-4