CYFS Research InFocus

September 2025

Welcome to the third edition of Research InFocus, where we highlight life-changing research conducted in partnership with UNL’s Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools. This research is made possible by funding from state and federal agencies, local communities and foundations.

Ciara Ousley, assistant professor, UNL Department of Special Education & Communication Disorders.

Giving Autistic Children a Voice

Why it matters: Autism is the fastest-growing disability category in Nebraska’s educational system. Making sure autistic children have effective tools and supports to communicate can prevent social isolation and improve their lives.

What’s happening: CYFS research affiliate Ciara Ousley is examining the relationships between autistic children and their neurotypical siblings, specifically when they use tools to support speech, such as tablets and other visual aids. This work is funded by the CYFS Signature Research Impact Program, made possible through private donations to the center via the University of Nebraska Foundation.

• Many autistic children are nonverbal and rely on tools to help them communicate.

• Autistic children and their typically developing siblings are key communication partners, especially during play.

• The relationship dynamics between autistic children and their siblings can shed light on ways to better support their communication needs.

Leen-Kiat Soh, Charles Bessey Professor, UNL School of Computing.

Preparing K–12 Teachers and Students for a Tech-Driven World

Why it matters: Computer skills are essential for today’s K-12 students, no matter what career path they follow. Nebraska needs more educators to teach advanced computer science and prepare the next generation to thrive in our technology-driven world.

What’s happening: CYFS research affiliate Leen-Kiat Soh is working to build a stronger system to recruit, train and support pre-service teachers, while still in college, to deliver cutting-edge computer science instruction in K–12 classrooms. This research is funded by the National Science Foundation.

• There is a shortage of K–12 teachers trained in critical STEM areas, including computer science.

• This project seeks to increase the number of pre-service teachers equipped with advanced computing skills before they enter the education workforce.

• Findings will inform best practices to inspire future teachers to pursue computer science, enabling them to pass their knowledge on to future generations.

The CYFS Research Network includes nearly 100 research affiliates working to make a positive difference in people’s lives — in our state and beyond. Here’s a quick look at one of our valued research affiliates and her impact in Nebraska.

Nebraska provides fertile ground for transformational research that supports a prosperous future for children and youth. CYFS is proud to be a catalyst for that research.

The stories in this newsletter offer a snapshot into the center’s high-quality work that drives innovative practices, informs policy and advances interventions to meet the needs of our children, youth, families, schools and communities.

Thanks to your partnership, these efforts are not only improving lives today — they are also an investment in Nebraska’s future, helping to strengthen the workforce and support long-term economic vitality.

We hope you learned something new and feel inspired by the possibilities ahead.

Research InFocus is a bi-monthly newsletter showcasing research conducted in partnership with UNL's Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools.

If this email was forwarded to you and you'd like to receive future updates, please join our mailing list.

cyfs.unl.edu

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families & Schools

College of Education and Human Sciences

Notice of Nondiscrimination