Possible new ASD screening method found

Photo Credit: Grace Baranek

"When Yun-Ju (Claire) Chen began work on her dissertation, she joined a six-year study of infants to analyze the distinction between the sensory patterns of children with autism spectrum disorder and children with other or no diagnosis. The group’s findings present a potential new form of ASD screening, allowing for early intervention and support of children with ASD."

For this article, Adrian was challenged to expand their research efforts beyond their typical field of study to best convey the findings of a newly published academic article written in part by USC Alum Yun-Ju (Claire) Chen and two USC faculty, USC Chan Division Associate Dean Grace Baranek and Director of Instrument Development and Psychometric/Statistical Analysis John Sideris. In preparation for this piece, Adrian delved into the work of Chen by reading her dissertation, which first outlined the findings of this study and the academic article covered.

Chen, Baranek, and Sideris spoke with Adrian individually and shared about the process and significance of this study, as well as the charming story of how these three colleagues first began working together at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, then eventually made the move together to USC, where they continued their work.

The full article can be read at: https://dailytrojan.com/2022/03/30/possible-new-asd-screening-method-found/