Comet Calendar
From Gaze to Growth: A Developmental Framework for Social Communication & Language | BBS Distinguished Lecture
Friday, May 1, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Stream Available
Friday, May 1, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Stream Available
Speaker: Dr. Pamela Rollins
Professor
School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences – Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing
The University of Texas at Dallas
Title: Migraine: The Mysterious and Most Common Neurological Disorder
Abstract: Social communication emerges from early, coordinated interactions between children and caregivers. Grounded in Tomasello’s theory of shared intentionality, this talk investigates mutual gaze and social responsiveness as foundational building blocks for social communication and language in young autistic children. Over the past decade, a program of randomized controlled trials has evaluated a parent-mediated early autism intervention targeting these social processes. Findings show meaningful, transferable gains in social communication and expressive language across culturally and linguistically diverse families. Emerging AI-based measurement tools enable more precise, ecologically valid assessment of mutual gaze and will be described in relation to both research and clinical practice. Together, these efforts position early social interaction as a foundation for communication development and offer guidance for developmentally and culturally informed interventions.
Don't miss this chance to hear from a leading mind in the field — and walk away with fresh perspectives to fuel your own work.
This talk will be held in-person at the Polykarp Kusch Auditorium FN 2.102 and streamed live via MS Teams.
UTD strives to create inclusive and accessible events in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact the event coordinator (listed above) at least 10 business days prior to the event. If you have any additional questions, please email ADACoordinator@utdallas.edu and the AccessAbility Resource Center at accessability@utdallas.edu.