I'm Robert Foreman, a Doctoral Student in Educational Technology at Central Michigan University, committed to revolutionizing special education through the power of AI and technology.
My research centers on developing adaptive learning platforms that use AI to enhance individualized education plans (IEPs) and personalized learning strategies for students with autism and other special needs. By integrating cutting-edge technology into education, I aim to address the critical shortage of special education teachers and empower educators with tools to provide truly tailored learning experiences.
This blog is dedicated to exploring the intersection of AI, technology, and special education. Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate passionate about advancing education for neurodiverse learners, you'll find innovative ideas, research insights, and forward-thinking strategies to inspire and inform.
Join me as we harness the potential of technology to transform education and create brighter futures for all learners.
Rethinking Communication in Autism: Insights from Dr. Savana Bak’s Research
A recent study, “In Focus: M.Y. Savana Bak, Special Education” by Madison Stromberg (2025), highlights groundbreaking research on social communication in non-speaking and minimally verbal autistic individuals. Dr. Savana Bak’s work focuses on how educators, caregivers, and professionals can better support communication beyond traditional verbal methods, advocating for culturally relevant and neurodiverse interventions.
🔍 What Did the Study Find?
Dr. Bak’s research explores the challenges non-speaking autistic individuals face in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting alternative communication methods. Key findings include:
✔️ Caregiver Communication vs. School Communication – Families often develop an intuitive understanding of their child’s needs, while school environments rely heavily on verbal communication. Dr. Bak seeks to bridge this gap by integrating natural, home-based communication styles into the classroom.
✔️ The Importance of Communicative Repair – Instead of placing the burden solely on autistic individuals to conform to neurotypical communication, educators should engage in shared communication efforts, recognizing gestures, vocalizations, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods.
✔️ Culturally Responsive Autism Interventions – Not all communities engage with interventions the same way. Dr. Bak’s research found that different cultural groups prefer varying content formats (e.g., podcasts, animations, lectures), emphasizing the need for individualized approaches in special education.
🤖 How Could AI and Technology Enhance This?
💡 Multimodal Learning Platforms – Python-based applications could help create personalized learning environments that adapt to various communication needs, supporting educators in designing student-centered interventions.
🏫 SPED Classroom Applications
🔹 Culturally Inclusive Learning Tools – AI-driven platforms could provide tailored communication strategies that align with different cultural preferences, ensuring interventions are meaningful for diverse student populations.
💭 My Takeaway
Dr. Bak’s work challenges traditional approaches to autism education, urging educators and researchers to rethink how they support communication. Instead of forcing autistic students to conform to neurotypical norms, we should create environments that embrace and enhance their natural communication styles.
NhanceAutism
🔍 What Did the Study Find?
Dr. Bak’s research explores the challenges non-speaking autistic individuals face in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting alternative communication methods. Key findings include:
✔️ Caregiver Communication vs. School Communication – Families often develop an intuitive understanding of their child’s needs, while school environments rely heavily on verbal communication. Dr. Bak seeks to bridge this gap by integrating natural, home-based communication styles into the classroom.
✔️ The Importance of Communicative Repair – Instead of placing the burden solely on autistic individuals to conform to neurotypical communication, educators should engage in shared communication efforts, recognizing gestures, vocalizations, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods.
✔️ Culturally Responsive Autism Interventions – Not all communities engage with interventions the same way. Dr. Bak’s research found that different cultural groups prefer varying content formats (e.g., podcasts, animations, lectures), emphasizing the need for individualized approaches in special education.
🤖 How Could AI and Technology Enhance This?
💡 Multimodal Learning Platforms – Python-based applications could help create personalized learning environments that adapt to various communication needs, supporting educators in designing student-centered interventions.
🏫 SPED Classroom Applications
🔹 Culturally Inclusive Learning Tools – AI-driven platforms could provide tailored communication strategies that align with different cultural preferences, ensuring interventions are meaningful for diverse student populations.
💭 My Takeaway
Dr. Bak’s work challenges traditional approaches to autism education, urging educators and researchers to rethink how they support communication. Instead of forcing autistic students to conform to neurotypical norms, we should create environments that embrace and enhance their natural communication styles.
📝 Follow my blog for more insights: NhanceAutism.blog
👇 How do you see AI shaping communication interventions for autistic students? Let’s discuss!
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