Howard C. Shane, PhD, CCC-SLP, has been affiliated with the Institute since 1996 and is a Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, where he teaches courses in Autism, Motor Speech Disorders and Augmentative and Alternative Communication for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.

Dr. Shane is also the Director of the Center for Communication Enhancement (CCE) and the Autism Language Program at Children's Hospital Boston and holds an appointment in the Department of Otology and Otolaryngology at the Harvard Medical School.

The dual role of a professor with an active clinical practice is a part of the Institute's philosophy that differentiates this program from more traditional training programs.

The primary focus of Dr. Shane's clinical and research efforts for over 30 years has been in the area of augmentative and alternative communication.

Dr. Shane has received the Honors of the Association and is a Fellow of the American Speech and Hearing Association. He is also the recipient of the Goldenson Award for Innovations in Technology from United Cerebral Palsy Association.

He is the author of numerous papers and chapters on severe speech impairment, he has lectured throughout the world on the topic, and he has produced numerous computer innovations enjoyed by persons with communication disorders.

  • BA, Sociology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • MA, Speech Pathology/Audiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • PhD, Speech Pathology, Syracuse University

Research Interests

Diagnosis and treatment of complex communication disorders including the application of augmentative and alternative communication systems and procedures; development of intervention strategies for autism through the application of visual supports and technology. 

Higginbotham DJ, Beukelman D, Blackstone S, Bryen D, Caves K, DeRuyter F, Jakobs T, Light J, McNaughton D, Moulton B, Shane HC, & Williams MB. AAC technology transfer: an AAC-RERC report. Augment Altern Commun. 2009 Mar;25(1):68-76.

Shane HC, O'Brien M, & Sorce J. Use of a visual graphic language system to support communication for persons on the autism spectrum. Perspect on Augment Altern Commun. 2009 Dec;18:130-6.

Schlosser RW, Shane HC, Sorce J, Koul R, Bloomfield E, & Hotz L. Identifying performing and underperforming graphic symbols for verbs and prepositions in animated and static formats: a research note. Augment Altern Commun. 2011 Sep;27(3):205-14.

Gosnell J, Costello J, & Shane HC. There isn't always an app for that! Perspect on Augment Altern Commun. 2011 Apr;20:7-8.

Shane HC, Laubscher EH, Schlosser RW, Flynn S, Sorce J, & Abramson J. Applying technology to visually support language and communication in individuals with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord. Published online 21st of Jun 2011: DOI: 10.1007/s10803-011-1304-z.

See Curriculum Vitae for full list of presentations, publications, and research.

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