Emily Zane

Emily Zane is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at James Madison University (JMU), part of the College of Health Sciences (CHBS). Her research focuses on language acquisition, autism, and developmental language disorders. She holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship from Emerson College and advanced degrees from The Graduate Center, CUNY, and a B.A. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Dr. Zane's work examines linguistic and social communication patterns in autistic individuals, including gaze behavior, pragmatic language use, and discourse processing. Her ReAL Lab (Research in Autism and Language Lab) explores how neurodivergent populations interact with social and linguistic contexts. Recent studies address topics like filler word usage, indirect request comprehension, and the relationship between mentalizing skills and communication.

Her publications span 2013–2025, emphasizing neurodivergent communication dynamics and developmental language features. While no specific grants or awards are listed, her research consistently bridges clinical linguistics with cognitive and developmental psychology. Advising and student mentorship are integral to her academic activities.