Using Multimodal Communication with Hand Gestures to Support Language Development in Neurodiverse Individuals
Overview
Multimodal communication, that is speech with hand gestures, can improve language development and human interaction. We investigate how neurodiverse individuals, including those with typical development, autism, ADHD, and language impairments, interpret hand gestures with and without speech. We use eye tracking and brain imaging of electroencephalography (EEG) to glean into how neurodiverse individuals integrate speech with gestures. The goal is to tailor language and gestural supports to abilities.
About the Speaker
Dr. Nadya Modyanova is an Assistant Research Professor at Montana State University. With a background in linguistics and cognitive science (BA from University College London), and neuroscience (PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Dr. Modyanova is a transdisciplinary scientist, with a passion for supporting those with communication difficulties.
1:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026