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Imitation is a fundamental skill needed for complex learning in language, social interactions, and cognitive responses to the world around us. Children with ASD frequently have deficits in imitation, and as a result, they may have atypical body movements, use of objects around them, facial expressions, social engagement, and vocal expressions. Much of Josh’s research has concentrated on the relation of imitation and motor control to cognitive differences in autism that impair quality of life. In recent years, though, he has developed and implemented a novel approach utilizing advanced statistical modeling coupled with large psychological datasets around autism to evaluate previously untested theories of autism. What’s exciting for him is the potential to apply this method to other untested theories behind the cause of the autism phenotype. These results should provide researchers with statistical evidence that identifies areas with the greatest chance of improving lives.
Josh will also leverage his research expertise and extensive clinical care experience as the co-director for the neurodevelopment core of the Institute of Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci) at Northwestern University. Our partnership with DevSci engages researchers to build strong cross-disciplinary connections, streamlining the translation of research results into interventions. Within the neurodevelopment core, Josh will support the efforts of researchers across disciplines at the research institute and Northwestern University to access and implement the latest tools to look at neurological functions and development. Importantly, his leadership roles in clinical and research realms will allow him to facilitate collaborations, bringing together researchers and clinicians to share insights and build translational efforts.
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