San Diego State University · PsychologyThe Sensory Spectrum Lab
R. Joanne Jao Keehn · San Diego, California
Research Focus
Dr. R. Joanne Jao Keehn's lab focuses on understanding how sensory processing issues in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect their behavior and well-being. By studying the relationships between sensory integration, stress levels, and internalizing symptoms like anxiety, the lab aims to uncover the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. This research is crucial for developing better interventions to support children with ASD and improve their quality of life.
autism spectrum disorderssensory processingstress reactivitymultisensory integrationinternalizing symptomsneurobiobehavioral mechanismsanxietycortisolcognitive assessmentspsychophysics
Research Aims
4AIM 01Characterize multisensory integration in children with ASD.
AIM 02Map neural correlates of sensory processing and salience detection.
AIM 03Examine relationships between sensory responsivity and stress reactivity.
AIM 04Investigate links between neurobiological measures and internalizing symptoms in ASD.
Skills the Lab Values
behavioral assessmentsMRI scanningsalivary cortisol measurementpsychophysical testingdata collection and analysiscaregiver-report questionnairesfunctional connectivity analysisneuroscience techniquesmultisensory stimuli evaluationstress response measurement
Output against the department
Publications25bottom 3% of dept.285th of 296
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.2kbottom 10% of dept.267th of 296
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.