Kessler Foundation Scientists Secure $800,000 in Federal Grants for Post-Stroke and Autism Research
Three Kessler Foundation scientists, Timothy Rich, PhD, OTR/L, Helen Genova, PhD, and Heba Elsayed, MD, have received nearly $800,000 in federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance research in the fields of neglect dyslexia and autism. These projects aim to bring new hope to individuals affected by these conditions.
Dr. Rich, a research scientist at the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research, received $626,889 for his study on “Gaze, Head Rotation, and Neuroanatomic Correlates of Reading Errors in Neglect Dyslexia.” Neglect dyslexia, a reading problem associated with post-stroke spatial neglect, can hinder daily activities. Dr. Rich’s research will explore the role of gaze in neglect dyslexic errors and collect data to better understand the brain networks involved in spatial cognition. Ultimately, this work could improve the lives of those with neglect dyslexia.
Dr. Genova, associate director, and Dr. Elsayed, associate research scientist at the Center for Autism Research, secured a $150,436 grant for their collaborative study, “A Novel Employment Specific Social Communication Assessment Tool for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).” Transition-age individuals on the autism spectrum often face challenges in finding employment. Social communication differences are a significant hurdle, impacting workplace interactions. This study will assess specific language profiles used by individuals with ASD, shedding light on communication differences in various workplace settings. The findings will pave the way for future efforts to improve employment success for individuals with autism.
