Mike McNulty
Stories by Mike McNulty:
3% of kids have elevated sensory issues that seem to worsen through early childhood
The USC-led study demonstrates the strong association between children’s early sensory trajectories and later sensory challenges impacting their development.
Study pinpoints 3 brain regions displaying telltale patterns in autistic individuals
USC scientists are the first to identify patterns of white matter connectivity exclusive to core autistic symptoms, pointing out a potential flaw in previous autism neuroscience research.
Study identifies social, motor skills patterns unique to autistic children
Research shows that Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Coordination Disorder have their own distinct patterns of social and motor skills.
Analysis of more than 82,000 autistic children’s health care usage data finds disparities
A USC analysis of data collected from more than 82,000 autistic children across seven years reveals significant differences in their health care utilization according to sex, race and ethnicity.
Autism correlated with changing sensory preferences during early childhood, study finds
A study by researchers at USC and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests sensory issues in early infancy may be the first signs of a later autism diagnosis.
Study is first to show figurative language comprehension relies on brain’s motor regions
USC neuroscientists demonstrate that, like literal language, abstract metaphors are embodied in the brain.
Review covers current research that potentially links autism and brain-gut microbiome
Two of the review’s authors were participants in USC’s Diversity, Inclusion and Access JumpStart program, a structured summer research program for talented undergraduates considering pursuing a doctorate.
USC Chan commits $2.5 million to post-pandemic response
The university’s occupational science and occupational therapy division plans projects aimed at the coronavirus, economic and racial pandemics, the combined effects of which are sure to be felt for years.
Giving people with autism a voice in future research
A USC-coordinated project will build formal alliances that accentuate the perspectives of autistic people, their family members and caregivers, service providers and researchers.
Children with autism have less activity in brain region that processes movement
A team of USC and UCLA researchers is the first to pinpoint reduced frontal lobe activity, helping explain some social characteristics unique to autism.
USC Mrs. T.H. Chan tops U.S. News’ ranking of occupational therapy programs
According to U.S. News & World Report, the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is once again home to the top occupational therapy educational program.
At Pasadena theater, the ghost of Christmas, relaxed
A USC Chan professor helped a theater troupe prepare a special, inclusive experience for patrons of all ages and abilities. Dim the lights? Nope.
USC, Peking University begin training a new generation of Chinese occupational therapists
The collaboration aims to expand occupational therapy research, education and practice in China.
Is there a link between gut bacteria and autism? A first-of-its-kind study investigates
Backed by a Department of Defense grant, USC and UCLA researchers will explore gastrointestinal bacteria’s potential role in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Occupational therapy can improve health of young adults with diabetes, USC study shows
Research participants who completed the program improve their quality of life and good health habits
New smartphone app developed at USC aims to support fitness among older adults
Designed to boost physical activity, the app is seen as a key step to advancing mobile health technology.
Which team approach works best for Alzheimer’s patients in nursing homes?
New study at USC will compare two ways of caring for older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Occupational therapy shown to improve lives of people in chronic pain
New study finds that treatment helps increase everyday function and confidence for patients with lumbar back pain and myalgia.
How to ease anxiety for adults with autism during a doctor’s visit
Newly funded study aims to improve challenging primary health care encounters.
USC, Peking University to team on one of China’s first graduate programs in occupational therapy
The partnership has the potential to transform the quality of life for millions of people, USC provost says.
Is there a kinder, gentler way to get chemo?
How changes in the environment might improve experiences during outpatient infusions.
In the battle of the bulge, researchers discover the benefits of friends and family
How social and family relationships can improve an adolescent’s obesity-related behaviors.
Neuroimaging helps reveal brain-body links in autism research
Researcher uses state-of-the-art techniques to assess the brain’s ability to turn sensory information into a motor response.
Who knew medical records had a ‘social life’?
Two USC researchers show how paper records impact interactions with health care practitioners.