University of Rochester
For the Media
Archive
Subscribe
University Communications
Futurity.org: Discover the future with news from leading research universities
University Communications
Faculty Experts Directory
Loisa Bennetto
Associate Professor Of Psychology, Director Of Clinical Training
Arts, Sciences, and Engineering
Department of Clinical And Social Sciences In Psychology
Areas of expertise: Developmental disabilities; specifically autism
Press contact:
Susan Hagen
susan.hagen@rochester.edu
585.276.4061
Related Links:
Loisa Bennetto Home Page
News Releases
Dean of Faculty Search Committee Appointed; Newport Named Chair
May 26, 2005
Convocation Honors Goergen Award Winners
July 07, 2003
Biography
Loisa Bennetto's research examines the neurocognitive bases of developmental disabilities. Her research focuses on both strengths and weaknesses of individuals with autism in the domains of verbal and nonverbal communication, imitation and movement, and executive functioning. She focuses on understanding why imitation is hard for children with autism by examining component skills such as motor strength and dexterity, body schema, dynamic visuospatial representation and memory, and praxis. She also explores the role of dyspraxia in natural communication, impaired facial expressiveness in autism, the relationship of speech and language development with strengths and weaknesses in neuropsychological functioning and verbal learning and memory in individuals with autism.