Oliver Wendt

Assistant Professor
Special Education, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Program
Department of Educational Studies, and Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Research

Dr. Wendt’s major research interests are in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Current research investigates the efficacy of AAC strategies including graphic symbols, manual signs, Picture Exchange Communication System, and speech-generating devices for those individuals on the autism spectrum that present with little or no functional speech. The knowledge gained from these efficacy studies is used to promote evidence-based practice (EBP) in communication disorders and special education. Another strand of research focuses on the iconicity of graphic symbols, in particular multicultural and cross-linguistic aspects of graphic symbol acquisition. From a methodological perspective, Dr. Wendt specializes in single-subject experimental designs in addition to systematic reviews and meta-analyses of single-subject and group design data.

Education

Ph.D.	Purdue University, 2006, Special Education/Transdisciplinary AAC Program
M.S.	University of Cologne, Germany, 2000, Special Education/Developmental Disabilities
M.A.	University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1998, Special Education/AAC
B.S.	University of Cologne, Germany, 1996, Education and Psychology

Selected Publications

• Wendt, O., Quist, R.W., & Lloyd, L.L. (Eds.) (in press).  Assistive Technology.  Principles and Applications for Communication Disorders and Special Education.  San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
  
  
• Boesch, M.C., & Wendt, O. (2009). Reducing self-injurious behaviors in individuals with autism: Benefits of Functional Communication Training. Evidence-based Practice Briefs, 4(2), 1-11.
  
  
• Schlosser, R.W., & Wendt, O. (2008). Effects of augmentative and alternative communication intervention on speech production in children with autism: A systematic review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 17(3), 212-230.
  
  
• Wendt, O. (2008). Research on the use of graphic symbols and manual signs. In P. Mirenda & T. Iacono (Eds.), Autism Spectrum Disorders and AAC (pp. 83-137). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.
  
  
• Schlosser, R.W., Wendt, O., & Sigafoos, J. (2007). Not all systematic reviews are created equal: Considerations for appraisal. Evidence-based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 1(3), 138-150.
  
  
• Wendt, O. (2006, September). Critically Appraised Topics: An approach to critical appraisal of evidence. Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 15(3), 24-26.
  
  
• Wendt, O. (2006, September). Searching for and finding evidence in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 15(3), 19-21.
  
  
• Schlosser, R.W., Wendt, O., Angermeier, K.L., & Shetty, M. (2005). Searching for evidence in augmentative and alternative communication: Navigating a scattered literature. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 21(4), 233-255.
  
  
  

Courses Taught

EDPS 520	Characteristics of Students with Severe Disabilities
EDPS 571	Advanced Assistive Technology
EDPS 588	Single Subject Research Designs
SLHS 519D	Language and Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Professional Experience

2006- present	Assistant Professor of Special Education, and Assistant Professor of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, College of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
2005-2006	Instructor in Special Education, Department of Educational Studies, College of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
2004-2005	Doctoral Research Fellow, Transdisciplinary AAC Program, College of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
2000-2004	Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, College of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
1996	Rehabilitation Counselor, Workshop for People with Disabilities, Calden, Germany
1995	Direct Care Worker, Christophorus Home for People with Multiple and Profound Disabilities, Gottingen, Germany
1993-1994	Teacher's Aid, Preschool for Children with Developmental and Multiple Disabilities - German Red Cross, Hannoversch Munden, Germany