Our studies focus on typically developing children, and on children with language impairments, early brain injury, Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, or autism spectrum disorders.

We use a wide range of behavioral methods, from naturalistic observations (mother and infant playing with toys on the floor) to computer-based studies that measure real-time processing of linguistic and non-linguistic information in milliseconds.

In addition, we also conduct brain imaging studies (event-related brain potentials; magnetic resonance imaging) that yield exciting new information about the interaction between experience and brain development.

Although these are "basic science" studies aimed at uncovering the nature and causes of both normal and atypical development, our results also have important implications for education and clinical practice.