Welcome to the ABLL Lab!
AAC Bridge to Language and Literacy
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The AAC Bridge to Learning and Literacy (ABLL) Lab at Montclair State University is driven by inclusion, curiousity, and community. The mission of the ABLL Lab is to improve the quality of life for autistic children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Our vision is to help in the creation of a world that recognizes that every child deserves to be taught literacy skills, no matter their speaking or cognitive abilities. We study AAC access, language and literacy development, and the research priorities of autistic individuals.
Our lab is part of Montclair State University's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Click on the links below to learn more about our research and how to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram @theablllab
Language & Literacy
Language & Literacy
The language and literacy development of the autistic community has a major influence on their life participation
Communication Access
Communication Access
Access to multiple communication modalities is vital for the autistic community, especially for individuals who are minimally or nonspeaking
The ABLL Lab has 3 primary research areas:
Individualized supports for language and literacy based on the precise needs of the individual
Orthographic support for vocabulary and spelling development
Reading comprehension measures for autistic children who use AAC
The lab is directed by Grace Clark, PhD, CCC-SLP, an experienced speech-language pathologist whose work bridges clinical practice and research. After earning her master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Dr. Clark worked as an SLP in public schools, where she became passionate about addressing the gaps in evidence-based supports for nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic children. These experiences inspired her commitment to participatory research and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Now an assistant professor at Montclair State University, Dr. Clark teaches graduate courses and leads research focused on language and literacy development for autistic AAC users. She finds deep fulfillment in mentoring students, collaborating with clinical partners, and advancing equitable, impactful interventions through community-engaged research.
The lab is directed by Grace Clark, PhD, CCC-SLP, an experienced speech-language pathologist whose work bridges clinical practice and research. After earning her master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Dr. Clark worked as an SLP in public schools, where she became passionate about addressing the gaps in evidence-based supports for nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic children. These experiences inspired her commitment to participatory research and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Now an assistant professor at Montclair State University, Dr. Clark teaches graduate courses and leads research focused on language and literacy development for autistic AAC users. She finds deep fulfillment in mentoring students, collaborating with clinical partners, and advancing equitable, impactful interventions through community-engaged research.
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