Broadly, my research is centered around characterizing the linguistic skills children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) use for reading development, inclusive of those children with limited speech ability. My work examines relationships between speech ability, vocabulary knowledge, receptive language, phonological awareness, and access to home and school literacy instruction during developmental periods of early childhood, preschool, and elementary school, and is organized around three themes: (1) Characterizing intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to reading outcomes in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities; (2) Determining developmental trajectories of component reading skills for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a range of speech ability; (3) Developing assessments and interventions inclusive of children with limited speech ability that incorporate the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems.
Education
Ph.D., Developmental Psychology- Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, 2016
M.A., Speech-Language Pathology- University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 2005
B.A., Speech: Communication across the lifespan- Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, 2003
Research Interests
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC), Reading development
Teaching Interests
Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Language Development and Disorders
Publications & Research
Publications:
Barton-Hulsey, A., Sevcik, R., Romski, M. A., & Collins, S. (2022). Home and school literacy experiences of preschool-age children with developmental disabilities. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, in press.
Sevcik, R., Barton-Hulsey, A., Bruce, S., Goldman, A., Ogletree, B., Paul, D., Romski, M. A. (2022). It’s never too late: Debunking myths about adults with severe disabilities. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, in press.
Therrien, M., Biggs, E., Barton-Hulsey, A., Collins, S., Romano, M. (2021). Augmentative and alternative communication services during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on children, their families, and service providers. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, in press.
Therrien, M., Barton-Hulsey, A., Wong, S. (2021). A scoping review of the playground experiences of children with AAC needs. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, in press.
Barton-Hulsey, A., Phinney, S., Collins, S. (2021). Augmentative and alternative communication for language and literacy in preschool: Considerations for down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Seminars in Speech and Language, 42, 345-362.
Loveall, S., Barton-Hulsey, A. (2021). Reading skills in down syndrome: Implications for clinical practice. Seminars in Speech and Language, 42, 330-344.
Barton-Hulsey, A., Lorang, E., Renfus, K., & Sterling, A. (2020). Maternal input during book reading in children with Down syndrome. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 29(3), 1475 – 1488.
Barton-Hulsey, A., & Sterling, A. (2020). Grammatical judgment and production in boys with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics, 34(12), 1088 – 1111.
Farquharson, K., Therrien, M., Barton-Hulsey, A., Brandt, A. F., (2020). How to recruit, support, and retain speech language pathologists in public schools. Journal of School Leadership,https://doi.org/10.1177/1052684620966062
Haebig, E., Sterling, A., Barton-Hulsey, A., & Friedman, L. (2020). Rates and predictors of co-occurring autism spectrum disorder in boys with Fragile X syndrome. Autism and Developmental Language Impairments, 5, 1 – 19.
Fisher, E., Barton-Hulsey, A., Walters, C., Sevcik, R., & Morris, R. (2019). Executive functioning and narrative language in children with developmental dyslexia. American Journal of Speech Language Pathology, 28. 1127-1138.
Sevcik, R., Barton-Hulsey, A., & Romski, M. A. (2018). Visual-graphic symbol acquisition in school age children with developmental and language delays. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, DOI:10.1080/07434618.2018.1522547.
Barton-Hulsey, A., Sevcik, R. A., & Romski, M. A., (2018). The relationship between speech, language, and phonological awareness in preschool age children with developmental disabilities. American Journal of Speech- Language Pathology, 27, 616-632.
Bornman, J., Romski, M. A., Tönsing, K., Sevcik, R., White, R., Barton-Hulsey, A., & Morwane, R. (2018). Adapting and translating the Mullen Scales of Early Learning for the South African Context. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 65(1), a571.
Friedman, L, Sterling, A., & Barton-Hulsey, A. (2018). Gaze avoidance and perseverative language in fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder: Brief Report. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 21(2), 137-140.
Romski, M. A., Bornman, J., Sevcik, R. A., Tonsing, K., Barton-Hulsey, A., Morwane, R., Whitmore, A. S., & White, R. (2018). Language assessment for children with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders across four languages in South Africa. American Journal of Speech- Language Pathology, 27, 602-615.
Barton-Hulsey, A. (2017). Challenges and opportunities in reading instruction for children with limited speech. Seminars in Speech and Language, 38(4), 253 – 262.
Barton-Hulsey, A., Sevcik, R. A., & Romski, M. A. (2017). Narrative language and reading comprehension in students with mild intellectual disabilities. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 122(5), 392 – 408.
Barton-Hulsey, A., Wegner, J., Brady, N., Bunce, B., & Sevcik, R. (2017). Comparing the effects of speech-generating device display organization on symbol comprehension and use by three children with developmental delays. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 26(2), 227 – 240.
Smith, A. L., Barton-Hulsey, A., & Nwosu, N. (2016). AAC and Families: Dispelling Myths and Empowering Parents. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 1(12), 10-20.
Romski, M., Sevcik, R. A., Barton-Hulsey, A., & Whitmore, A. S. (2015). Early Intervention and AAC: What a Difference 30 Years Makes. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 31(3), 1–22.
Cheslock, M.A, Barton-Hulsey, A., Romski, M. A., & Sevcik, R. A. (2008). Using a speech generating device to enhance communicative abilities and interactions for an adult with moderate intellectual disability: A case report. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 46(5), 376-386.
Sevcik, R.A., Barton-Hulsey, A., & Romski, M. A. (2008). Early intervention, AAC, and transition to school for young children with significant spoken communication disorders and their families. Seminars in Speech and Language, 29, 92-100.
Barton, A., Sevcik, R. A. & Romski, M. A. (2006). Visual-Graphic symbol acquisition by pre-school age children with developmental and language delays. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 22, 10-20.
Book chapters:
Wood, C., & Barton-Hulsey, A., Chavarro, M. (2022). Students with Speech and Language Disorders. In A. Turnbull, R. Turnbull, M. L. Wehmeyer, K. A. Shogren (Eds.), Exceptional Lives: Practice, Progress, & Dignity in Today’s Schools, 10th edition. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing. Chapter in press.
Barton-Hulsey, A., King, M., Lyons-Golden, J. (2021). AAC in preschool: Navigating Challenges in Language and Literacy Instruction. In B. Ogletree (Ed.) Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Challenges and Solutions (pp. 41 – 80). San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.
Barton-Hulsey, A. & Sevcik, R. (2021). Supporting Literacy and Access to Technology for Learning. In K. Wilkinson & L. Finestack (Eds.), Multi-modal augmentative and alternative communication for individuals with Down syndrome (pp. 259 – 275). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.
Romski, M.A., Sevcik, R.A., Barton-Hulsey, A., Fisher, E.L., King, M., Albert, P., Kaldes, G., Walters, C., & Evans, C. (2021). Integration of AAC into Early Language Intervention with Children with Down Syndrome. In K. Wilkinson & L. Finestack (Eds.), Multimodal augmentative and alternative communication for individuals with Down syndrome (pp. 93-120). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.
Sevcik, R., Barton-Hulsey, A., Walters, C., Romski, M. A., (2019) Reading interventions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A review. In R. M. Hodapp, & D. J. Fidler (Eds.), International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities (pp. 81 – 110). Cambridge, MA: Elsevier.
Barton-Hulsey, A., Cheslock, M. A., Sevcik, R. A. & Romski, M. A. (2018). Communication development in children with multiple disabilities: The role of augmentative and alternative communication. In C. Capone & B.B. Shulman (Eds.), Language development: Foundations, processes, and clinical applications, 3nd edition. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Romski, M. A., Sevcik, R. A., Cheslock, M., & Barton-Hulsey, A. (2017). Augmented language interventions for children with severe disabilities. In R. McCauley, M. Fey, & R. Gillam (Eds.), Treatment of language disorders in children: Conventional and controversial interventions, 2nd edition (pp. 155 – 186). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.
Smith, A. S., Barker, R. M., Barton-Hulsey, A., Romski, M. A., & Sevcik, R. A. (2016). Augmented Language Interventions for children with severe disabilities. In Sevcik, R.A., & Romski, M.A. (Eds.), Communication interventions for individuals with severe disabilities: Exploring research challenges and opportunities (pp. 123 - 146). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.
Adamson, L. B., Romski, M. A., & Barton-Hulsey, A. (2014). Early language acquisition in autism spectrum disorders: A developmental view. In V.B. Patel, V.R. Preedy & C. R. Martin (Eds.), The comprehensive guide to autism, SpringerReference.com
Cheslock, M. A., Barton-Hulsey, A., Sevcik, R. A. & Romski, M. A. (2013). Communication development in children with multiple disabilities: The role of augmentative and alternative communication. In C. Capone & B.B. Shulman (Eds.), Language development: Foundations, processes, and clinical applications, 2nd edition (pp. 275 – 293). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Cheslock, M. A, Barton-Hulsey, A., Sevcik, R. A. & Romski, M. A. (2009). Communication development in children with multiple disabilities: The role of augmentative and alternative communication. In B.B. Shulman & C. Capone (Eds.), Language development: Foundations, processes, and clinical applications (pp. 413 – 456). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Romski, M. A., Sevcik, R. A., Smith, A, Barker, R. M., Folan, S., & Barton-Hulsey, A. (2009). The system for augmenting language: Implications for young children with autism spectrum disorders. In P. Mirenda & T. Iacono (Eds.), Autism spectrum disorders and AAC, (pp. 219 – 245). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.
Romski, M. A., Sevcik, R. A., Cheslock, M., & Barton, A. (2006). Augmented language interventions for children with severe disabilities. In R. McCauley. & M. Fey (Eds.), Treatment of language disorders in children: Conventional and controversial interventions, (pp. 123 – 148). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.
Recent presentations:
Coltellino, B., Therrien, M., Barton-Hulsey, A., (June, 2022). Factors contributing to diversity in parent beliefs about AAC telepractice services during COVID-19. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Jacksonville, FL.
Romski, M.A., Sevcik, R. A., Barton-Hulsey, A., (June, 2022). Communication opportunities for adults with severe disabilities: Debunking myths. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Jacksonville, FL.
Schliep, M., Barton-Hulsey, A., Binger, C., Caron, J., Davidson, M. M., Feuerstein, J., Morris, M., Alonzo, C., Bridges, M., Douglas, N., Oshita, J., Quinn, E., Olswang, L. (November, 2021). Uniting stakeholders: Partnerships in implementation science in CSD. Online Presentation at the annual meeting of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, Washington, DC.
Barton-Hulsey, A., Ogletree, B., Erickson, K., Gibbs, V., Goldman, A., Mineo, B., Paul, D., Romski, M.A., Schoonover, J., Sevcik, R., Tripp, N. (November, 2021) Meeting the Communication Needs of Individuals with Severe Disabilities via Telepractice: Lessons from the Pandemic. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, Washington, DC.
Therrien, M., Biggs, E., Collins, S., Romano, M., Barton-Hulsey, A. Snodgrass., M. Douglas, S., (November, 2021) Family-Provider Partnerships and AAC: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Presentation at the annual meeting of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, Washington, DC.
Collins, S., Barton-Hulsey, A. Farquharson, K. (November, 2021) Examining Speech Sound Treatment in School-Based Service Delivery for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, Washington, DC.
Caswell, T., Quach, W., Barton-Hulsey, A., Boesch, M., Chung, Y. S. (2021). Emergency preparedness for individuals who use AAC: Reviewing a text message toolkit. Poster presentation at the online conference of the International Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
Collins, S., Therrien, M., Barton-Hulsey, A., Timm, C. (June, 2021) AAC & Literacy: An Evaluation of Word Recognition Assessment Measures for Students who use Aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, (Online Conference).
Barton-Hulsey, A., Collins, S., Therrien, M., Biggs, E., Romano, M., Coltellino, B., Emery, E., Allen, A. (April, 2021) Contextual Determinants that Influence Family Partnerships During Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Service Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the Gatlinburg Conference on Research and Theory in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, (Online conference).
Romski, M.A., Tripp, N., Barton-Hulsey, A., Schoonover, J., (January, 2021) Assuring Access to Remote Services for Individuals with Severe Disabilities Presentation at the annual meeting of the Assistive Technology Industry Association, (Online conference).
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