Researcher Summary
Dr. McNeill is an international expert on literacy development in children with childhood apraxia of speech. Her prospective study of the validity and nature of childhood apraxia of speech has been supported by a Fast-Start Marsden grant from the Royal Society of New Zealand. Her research also focuses on developing and evaluating methods to better prepare teachers to support children’s early literacy development. Dr. McNeill is on the management team of the New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour and leads its language acquisition research theme.
Active research includes:
1. Childhood apraxia of speech;
2. Phonological awareness intervention for children with speech and language difficulty;
2. Classroom spelling instruction practices;
3. The effectiveness of primary teacher education graduates in facilitating literacy learning in at risk populations;
4. Predictors of reading success
