Kathy Thiemann-Bourque, Ph.D.

Interests: Communication interventions for nonverbal children with autism have yet to fully address the need to teach functional language that optimizes opportunities for children to be fully included in natural environments. Dr. Thiemann-Bourque's research examines alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) approaches that emphasize functional communication and reciprocal interactions between young children with autism and their classmates without disabilities in inclusive settings. AAC treatments hold promise but have failed to be incorporated adequately into contexts (e.g., the preschool classroom) that are most likely to motivate learning of functional language and associated social skills.