Title: Navigating the Near: Immersive Investigations of PPS in Autism.
My graduate research specifically investigates peripersonal space (PPS) in autism, exploring how differences in sensory-motor integration impact spatial perception and interaction. PPS is the immediate space around our body—like a flexible, invisible bubble—where we perceive actions as directly affecting us. It serves as a critical sensorimotor interface, shaping how autistics navigate their social and spatial environments. Understanding PPS dynamics in autism has broad implications across education, employment, and daily living skills.
I employ behavioral, physiological, and neurological measures using immersive technology like VR, AR, and motion tracking to study these processes in a dynamic, real-world-like environment. My approach prioritizes ecological validity, simplicity, and participant comfort, so that a wide profile of autistics can participate in research — capturing a more comprehensive understanding of sensory-motor differences that span the spectrum of autism.
Ultimately, my work aims to bridge the gap between basic neuroscience and applied interventions, informing strategies that can help autistics navigate their sensory environments more effectively. I will also be looking to developing tailored intervention(s) based on PPS insights. As both a researcher and an autistic individual with ADHD, I am deeply committed to research that not only advances scientific understanding but also has practical real world applications and solutions.
- Short Video on PPS and my research: https://youtu.be/-cfAiB3odyM
2025 Poster of my PPS Project
- Poster Overview (~5 mins) https://youtu.be/7B99aYdXDbc
2024 Poster of the Project
- Short Overview of Poster https://youtu.be/XgbjWa8Kgls
- Introduction & Research Questions https://youtu.be/FWru0A5faZA
- Methods https://youtu.be/GSxTfgCqza4
- Expected Outcome Fig 1. https://youtu.be/pqxMpKiX8pg
- Expected Outcome Fig 2 https://youtu.be/NPV6642dZZ8
- Expected Outcome Fig 3 https://youtu.be/ba4U7zn0BGM
- Expected Outcome Fig 4 https://youtu.be/YBzuKpA7EJA
- Expected Outcome Fig 5 https://youtu.be/-fM1ogomegc
- Expected Outcome Fig 6 . https://youtu.be/tcEKq2o_e4k
- Discussion https://youtu.be/TBWoRuJ5A5M
- Conclusion https://youtu.be/JuAsZQv6LX4
At a young age, I was captivated by the illustrations of the nervous system in the medical textbooks belonging to my aunt and uncle, both doctors. It feels serendipitous that I now find myself investigating sensory systems.
I am fascinated by the intersection of sensorimotor processing, multisensory integration, and predictive coding in autism. My work explores how autistics perceive and interact with their immediate surroundings, particularly through the lens of Peripersonal Space (PPS). I am also interested in the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying sensory-motor atypicalities and how these differences influence movement and social communication engagement.
Beyond PPS, my interest extends to developing ecologically valid methodologies, integrating VR/AR for neuroscience research, and experimental design that capture a wider range of autistic profiles—including those with high support needs. Updating research methods is essential, as that allows us to get a more comprehensive understanding of underlying issues in autism, so that we can develop effective solutions that address the full spectrum.
Additionally, I am interested in biomedical solutions, particularly biomarkers, that elucidate the often under-explored yet numerous co-occurring health challenges in autism, recognizing the interplay between neurological, physiological, and systemic factors that shape autistic well-being.
As an autistic with challenges spanning multiple areas, I am deeply invested in finding solutions that address multiple domains of autism. This commitment extends beyond my research, as I engage in numerous initiatives and projects aimed aimed at developing practical, impactful solutions.
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