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Meryl Alper in the Press

Meryl Alper for Northeastern Global News

Is TikTok helping autistic people self-diagnose? New research shows role app plays in diagnosis

Is TikTok helping autistic people self-diagnose? New research shows role app plays in diagnosis

Researchers examined the ways autistic people are using TikTok to find advice and sometimes themselves outside official diagnostic spaces.
Cellphone bans in schools alone won’t curb distraction, says communication technologies expert
cell phones on an orange background

Cellphone bans in schools alone won’t curb distraction, says communication technologies expert

No-phone policies have swept districts after educators noticed that students were “glued to their devices” after returning to the classroom.
What parents, not just children, can learn from watching ‘Bluey’
cartoon family of blue heeler dogs from the show Bluey on the front steps of a house

What parents, not just children, can learn from watching ‘Bluey’

The hit animated show about a family of Blue Heeler Dogs depicts an educational––and deeply relatable––picture of modern parenthood.
The power of ‘voice,’ and empowering the voiceless

The power of ‘voice,’ and empowering the voiceless

Many people use their voices everyday—to talk to people, to communicate their needs and wants—but the idea of ‘voice’ goes much deeper. Having a voice gives an individual agency and power, and a way to express his or her beliefs. But what happens when that voice is in some way silenced? Meryl Alper, assistant professor of communication studies, found out.
How new research and Sesame Street are expanding our understanding of autism

How new research and Sesame Street are expanding our understanding of autism

During National Autism Awareness Month, "Sesame Street" will air its first episode featuring a new Muppet: 4-year-old Julia, who has autism. Today the Northeastern chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma, along with the nonprofit Best Buddies, hosts its observance of Autism Awareness Day at Curry Crossroads. In recognition, we asked Northeastern experts to discuss some of the technologies being developed to help increase autonomy among people with autism.
Professor examines benefits, social inequalities of voice technologies

Professor examines benefits, social inequalities of voice technologies

Professor Meryl Alper argues that while technologies that help people communicate are in the right direction, they have their shortcomings.