Autism Acceptance Month | Find Autism Support at Lindamood-Bell
In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, we are sharing our belief in the learning potential of all individuals—including people with autism.
Improving Comprehension for Students with Autism
Peer-Reviewed Research on Autism
The Cognition, Brain, and Autism (CBrA) Lab at the University of Alabama collaborated with Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes to study the comparative effects of Visualizing and Verbalizing (V/V) on the brains of children on the Autism Spectrum. This fMRI study, highlighted in several peer-reviewed papers, examined activity in the brain’s language areas during comprehension tasks.
Dr. Rajesh Kana, the head of the study, reported that “V/V resulted in changing brain response patterns in children with autism—more focused, specialized brain activity and functional connectivity as a result of intervention.” Associated significant increases in language comprehension were noted against matched controls.
Note. Figure used with author’s permission.
Read about the effect of Lindamood-Bell instruction with students on the autism spectrum. Download summaries and get links to full articles published in scholarly journals on the Research & Development pages of our website.
The CBrA Lab is enrolling participants for a new study using the Visualizing and Verbalizing program. For more information:
(205) 202-0616
cbralab@ua.edu
Watch to Learn More about Research on Autism and Comprehension
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Cognition, Brain and Autism Center studied the effects of Visualizing and Verbalizing® (V/V) on the brains of children on the autism spectrum. Watch a video that features lead researcher, Dr. Rajesh Kana, and participating families.
Visualizing and Verbalizing Results for Students with Autism
Average Age: 12.1
Number of Students: 1,085
Average Hours of Instruction: 132.5
Program Implemented: Visualizing and Verbalizing
Hear from a Lindamood-Bell Family:
“When I first heard the terms Sensory Input and Concept Imagery, I didn’t fully understand how they could help Isabella. As a parent, my biggest hope is for Isabella to understand the world—whether it’s in books, conversations, or everyday life.
“The Visualizing and Verbalizing program was a game-changer. It didn’t just help Isabella recognize words; it taught her how to truly understand and use them in her mind. Within weeks, I noticed a transformation. She began to see the world differently—more clearly, more completely. Her confidence blossomed, and she started engaging in conversations and participating in life in a way she never had before.
“I realized she was never truly shy, she was just lost in the meaning of the words around her, as if everyone else was speaking a different language. But through this program, she finally understood, and with that understanding came the ability to express herself. It was incredible to watch her go from a “shy girl” to a very confident one.
“The combination of storytelling, visualization exercises, and thought-provoking questions made all the difference. It encouraged her to think, listen, and actively create the world she saw in her mind. As a hands-on parent, I could never have achieved this on my own—the techniques used are so unique and powerful that they’re hard to put into words.
“The results speak for themselves. Before Lindamood’s program, I was unsure of what to expect, and I got back a confident, expressive, and engaged beautiful daughter!”
– Maribel, mother of Isabella, UAB student
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Cognition, Brain, & Autism Lab is recruiting participants for their reading comprehension study.
In the News
Read this article in Exceptional Parent Magazine.
Autism Support at Lindamood-Bell
Lindamood-Bell instruction is based on the individual learning needs of each student. We can make a difference for students of all ages and abilities, including students with autism. Many students with an autism diagnosis have received instruction using Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V).
Contact us for information about instruction at our Learning Centers, including one-to-one summer instruction and instruction starting now, live-online or in person.
Families seeking a complete school solution can explore Lindamood-Bell Academy, our K-12 California-accredited private school, live-online or safe, in person, where allowed. Now enrolling for the 2025-26 school year.
Educators can attend teacher workshops to learn the steps of our evidence-based approach. Learn more about our professional development here.
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