Michelle Aldridge

Michelle Aldridge serves as Professor of Instruction and Program Head for the Speech-Language Pathology MS and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences BS programs within the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing at the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Human Development and Communication Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas (1997)
• M.S. in Communication Disorders, University of Texas at Dallas (1995)
• B.S. in Psychology, Texas Woman's University (1992)

Dr. Aldridge's research focuses on early communication development in typical and atypical populations, with dual emphases on infant speech perception (vowel categorization, intermodal representation) and autism-related language/cognitive development. Her work bridges foundational neuroscience with clinical applications for pediatric speech disorders including motor speech impairments and speech sound disorders, informing early intervention strategies for autism spectrum disorders.

Publication analysis reveals an evolutionary trajectory from basic infant speech processing research (1994-1999) toward applied autism studies (2000-2001), demonstrating how newborn perception mechanisms inform understanding of communication breakdowns in autism.

Recognition includes:

• Callier Excellence in Education award (4K, 1999)

She directs the Follow-Up study of Children in the Preverbal Program and oversees academic operations for two degree programs. While not currently accepting undergraduate researchers, her Program Head role involves extensive graduate mentorship in speech-language pathology. Professional engagement spans the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association, Autism Society of America, and International Society for Infant Studies.