Skip to main content
News Home

Category: Grant Related

Researchers work to improve communication support for autistic children

Birdie Ganz, professor of special education and communication disorders, recently explored how to best select and implement communication enhancement treatment for autistic children. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

For autistic people — especially those with intellectual disabilities, or others with extensive support needs — communicating needs and ideas can be difficult. Many rely on intense individualized support and educational interventions.

When spoken words are not enough, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) is often needed to meet their daily needs and wants. Common methods include gestures or facial expressions, sign language and speech-generating mobile apps for iPads or phones. While these methods can be helpful, they can also be costly and tricky to use effectively as treatments. Full Article

Enhancing communication, quality of life for children with severe speech and physical challenges

Research team members include, from left, Kevin Pitt, Grace Fowler, Elena Butler and James Sawall. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

For children with severe speech and physical impairments (SSPI), the inability to share their thoughts and feelings can deeply affect their quality of life and well-being.

Researchers and engineers continue to seek new ways to help these children communicate, including an experimental technology that enables thoughts to control communication devices, known as communication brain-computer interfaces (cBCIs). Full Article

Getting Ready program continues to engage families, prepare children for life success

The Getting Ready research team includes, from left, Sue Sheridan, Lisa Knoche, Tammi Hechtner-Galvin, Sue Bainter and Katie Zabel.

For more than two decades, the Getting Ready research program has promoted healthy development for children age 5 and younger by bringing evidence-based parent engagement strategies to early childhood programs throughout Nebraska.

As one of the first projects launched by CYFS in 2004, Getting Ready has focused on cultivating and fortifying relationships in children’s lives, including relationships among parents, children and the early childhood educators connected to the family. Full Article

A “KNEW” partnership aims to fortify Nebraska’s early child care workforce

Jaci Foged, Early Childhood Extension coordinator (left), works with educators at a KNEW workshop in Grand Island, Nebraska, in August. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

For many Nebraska families, finding affordable child care can seem like piecing together an impossible puzzle.

Parents juggle waitlists, long commutes and tough choices between work and staying home — all while early childhood teachers themselves face low pay, long hours and stress. Full Article

Exploring communication among autistic children, siblings

Ciara Ousley, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders, is exploring the relationships between children with autism and their typically developing siblings. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

Autism is the fastest-growing disability category in Nebraska. About 30% of autistic children do not develop vocal speech by age 4 and require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) — non-verbal methods such as gestures, facial expressions, picture cards and tablets to communicate. Full Article

Researchers aim to evaluate, streamline breastmilk sharing program

From left, Malone Maternal Wellness’ Jillian Boldt and Jordan Hardesty, and Nebraska researchers Patty Kuo and Alex Mason, check out the Malone Milk Mobile. Learn more in the CYFS Research Network.

Children who are breastfed as infants are less likely to develop obesity. However, despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 25% of infants in the U.S. are exclusively breastfed for the first six months.

As many as 70% of mothers experience problems with breastfeeding, contributing to lower rates — particularly among Black Americans (17.2%) and rural residents (18%). Research suggests these low breastfeeding rates may compound potential nutrition-related health disparities from the start of life. Full Article

Data coordination center being developed to support early childhood workforce

From left, Amanda Prokasky, MAP Academy senior research specialist, and Lorey Wheeler, MAP Academy director, are collaborating with five other universities to develop a data coordination center to provide methodological and analytic support to multiple universities. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

Because university researchers often use different methods and measures, it can be difficult to compare results across studies.

Amanda Prokasky, MAP Academy senior research specialist, and Lorey Wheeler, MAP Academy director, are collaborating with five other universities to develop a data coordination center to support cross-site analyses and help share findings more effectively. Full Article

Project searches for solutions to bullying in U.S., South Korea

Jared Noetzel, doctoral candidate in the school psychology program, is leading a dissertation study to explore ways to help reduce bullying in schools through evidence-based, culturally responsive teacher training. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

Because bullying often begins and ends at school, teachers are the front line of defense against such behavior.

However, teachers in one country may respond differently than their international counterparts.

Jared Noetzel, doctoral candidate in the school psychology program, is leading a dissertation study on culturally responsive teacher training to prevent bullying in schools. Full Article