Karen Karner

Karen Karner serves as Director of the John Morris Speech & Language Clinic and Associate Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (USAO), joining in Fall 2013. She holds a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2016), an M.S. (1984) and B.A. (1983) from Fort Hays State University, plus prior coursework at Emporia State University (1979-1981).

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Speech-Language Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2016)
  • M.S., Fort Hays State University (1984)
  • B.A., Fort Hays State University (1983)
  • Emporia State University (1979-1981)

Karner specializes in autism spectrum disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and social skills interventions. Her research investigates pragmatic language use patterns in neurodiverse populations and develops culturally competent, family-centered clinical approaches. She has presented extensively on autism awareness for first responders and educators, emphasizing practical implementation of communication strategies.

Her work spans interdisciplinary collaborations like the Oklahoma Diversity Project, examining cultural factors in autism diagnosis and treatment. She has received the ACE award five times for continuing education excellence and serves on USAO committees for teaching evaluation and student showcases. Karner's clinical experience includes public school systems in Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, plus private practice settings serving both pediatric and adult populations with communication disorders.