Please see below for a list of our current and completed research projects. Some of these projects are led by student researchers while others are led by Dr. Lorio. If you are interested in joining a project as a research assistant, please click here. If you believe you qualify to participate in one of our studies, please click here. Thank you for your interest in the RELLA Lab’s research projects!
RELLA Lab Projects
Infant-Toddler Shared Book Reading (ITSBR): Within this longitudinal study, we are exploring the typical shared book reading behaviors of parents and their infant/toddler between the ages of 6-36 months. Preliminary data related to the shared book reading behaviors of fathers and their infants/toddlers has been presented at the ASHA Convention (Kelly & Lorio, 2023). We are currently recruiting fathers and families from diverse backgrounds for participation in this study.
Caregiver Coaching in Speech-Language Pathology: This survey study examines the use of caregiver coaching practices by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in a variety of work settings. SLPs’ knowledge, use, and professional development needs are being analyzed.
Early Intervention Learning Community (EILC): The EILC is an independent study for undergraduate students in CSD and Special Education at Illinois State University. Through this independent study, students are exposed to early intervention, including field based observations of early intervention sessions. This study analyzes the students’ experiences in the EILC, their perceptions of the program, and their recommendations for improving the EILC for future cohorts of students. Results were presented at the ISHA Convention (Lorio et al., 2024), and a manuscript is in preparation for publication.
Reflection in Early Intervention Home Visiting Sessions: Multiple studies have/are been/being conducted on this topic in the RELLA Lab. Following a scoping review on the use of reflection in caregiver coaching (Lorio et al., 2020), we analyzed reflective conversations between early intervention providers and caregivers during home visiting sessions (Lorio et al., 2021). Now, we are piloting a professional development program for early intervention providers that focuses on caregiver coaching practices and the use of reflection.
Exploring Language Development and Support for Foster Children: Children in foster care are at an elevated risk for language delays and disorders due to their exposure to adverse childhood experiences (i.e., neglect, abuse). This RELLA Lab project aims to prevent language delays by better understanding the language development needs of young foster children. A review of caregiver training programs for foster parents of young foster children revealed a focus on behavior and emotion regulation, but a lacking emphasis on language and/or communication development (Lorio et al., 2023). We also conducted a mixed methods study on social communication skills in foster children, which highlighted a variety of social communication skills that are a concern for adoptive parents of foster children (Giuffre & Lorio, 2023). We are currently collaborating with research teams outside the RELLA Lab to examine the experiences of children with disabilities who are in the foster care system.
AAC Use During Parent-Child Shared Book Reading: This student-led project included analysis of video recorded shared book reading sessions between parents and toddlers/preschoolers that used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. This project was presented at the ASHA Convention (Wence & Lorio, 2022), and a manuscript is currently under review for publication.
Collaborative Projects Outside the RELLA Lab
Social Communication and Parent Verbal Responsiveness in Toddlers: This collaborative project (Delehanty et al., 2024) included researchers from Duquesne University, Florida State University, University of Georgia, and Illinois State University. The published study compared parent verbal responsiveness and the social communication behaviors of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and typical development.
Language Sample Analysis for Undergraduate Students: COMING SOON! This project is in the preparation stages.