Interdisciplinary Projects

Our work is connecting disability-related research across Baylor University. We are resourcing innovation and inquiry across a wide variety of disciplines that impact the lives and flourishing of people with disabilities and their families. From the humanities to the hard sciences and from the social sciences to our professional programs—we are engaging faculty and students in faithfully addressing disability through the lens of their discipline.

Current Projects:

• ACT LEND

  • The Autism Consortium of Texas (ACT) Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program is an interdisciplinary leadership training grant in the area of autism.  Baylor faculty from departments of Educational Psychology, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy serve as discipline coordinators to provide education and training to self-advocates, family members, and graduate students.

     

• Enhancing Neuroplasticity and Gross motor Activity through Gait Experiences in Cerebral Palsy (ENGAGE-CP) Project

  • This project aims to improve the quality of life and functional outcomes for young non-ambulatory children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) by investigating the efficacy of an Activities-Based Locomotor Training (AB-LT) program compared to usual care. This study seeks to enhance our understanding of neuroplasticity and motor learning in this population, offering a novel approach to rehabilitation. Results from this research will lead to more effective, individualized therapies that improve motor function and ultimately lower the long-term healthcare needs associated with CP. For more information or to participate in the study, contact Megan Flores; megan_flores@baylor.edu.

     

• Mapping the Interactions of Language and Early motor Skills in Down Syndrome (MILES) Study

  • This study follows infants (6 to 18 months) with and without Down Syndrome for 12 months to measure language and motor trajectories using a multiple-method approach. The results from this study will inform intervention priorities and strategies to support early development in Down Syndrome.  This study is in collaboration with Texas Center for Disability Studies. For more information or to participate in the study, contact Megan Flores at megan_flores@baylor.edu.

     

• Occupational Therapy Capstone Project Placement

  • The Center serves as a placement site for doctoral level students completing their Capstone Project during their final year in the program. We currently have a student focusing on work within faith and disability and next year, we will have a student supporting the transition work of the Center.

     

• Occupational Therapy Residence Program – PEDs Clinical Rotation

  • The Center is partnering with Baylor University’s Occupational Therapy program to serve as a training site for doctoral level students as part of the pediatric clinical rotation. Students are able to practice conducting a variety of assessments in a clinical setting as part of their program.

     

• Project IDEAL - Identifying and Distinguishing Early indicators of Autism in Latino children

  • The current project will identify and measure the early developmental trajectories of language and communication skills of Latino children and assess and characterize the emergence of autism symptoms among Latino children with a high and low likelihood of autism. The team will 1) identify and distinguish Latino children's language and communication profiles through a cross-sectional analysis (e.g., data collected from many people at one point in time); 2) assess and characterize the developmental trajectories of language and communication skills (English, Spanish) in Latino children between 1 and 5 years of age, and 3) assess and characterize the developmental trajectories of autism symptoms between 1 and 5 years of age in Latino children. The results of this study will help identify the developmental points when language and communication diverge between Latino children with a high and low likelihood of autism. Furthermore, the results will help clarify when and how autism symptoms can be distinguished between Latino children with a high and low likelihood of autism.

     

• Waco Family Medicine Residency Program Pilot

  • The Center is currently piloting a project with Waco Family Medicine to train residents in the area of autism assessment, intervention, and supports. Residents will complete a three-module series and observe an autism assessment, ABA therapy, and parent training. The goal of the project is to better equip family medicine physicians in the areas of autism screening, referrals, and supports. To learn more, please contact Dr. Sarah Mire.