Ziyi Cao, M.S., CCC-SLP, joined the Rehabilitation Sciences PhD program at Mass General Brigham University in 2023 and conducts her research under the mentorship of Dr. Yael Arbel in the Cognitive Neuroscience Group. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Speech-Language Pathology and Cognitive Neuroscience, with a focus on using behavioral and electrophysiological (EEG) methods to study typical language development and the language learning difficulty faced by children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Driven by a passion for improving language outcomes for children with DLD, Ziyi’s goal is to advance the understanding of language-related learning mechanisms and difficulties, thereby supporting the development of optimal intervention and assessment.
Ziyi has accumulated clinical experience in private interdisciplinary practices, schools, non-profit organizations, and outpatient hospital clinics in both the USA and China, where she provided client-centered therapy and education to children and their families with diverse communication needs. Prior to joining the Cognitive Neuroscience Group, Ziyi had research experience on speech perception in children with Cochlear Implants and morphosyntax of Chinese Sign Language at Fudan University in Shanghai.
- BA, Chinese Linguistics, Fudan University, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- BS, Speech & Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- MS, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Speech-Language Pathology
- EEG
- Literacy & Language
The following is a highlighted publication from Ms. Cao. Please see her CV for a complete list of publications.
Learning of Grammar-Like Sequences by Children with Developmental Language Disorder: An Electrophysiological Examination. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research.
Ms. Cao has presented at conferences and industry events. Please see her CV for a complete list of presentations.
When Learning Doesn't Stick: Evidence of Consolidation Challenges in Children with DLD. [Oral Presentation]. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention, Washington, D.C.
Statistical Learning with Inner Speech Suppression in Children with and without Developmental Language Disorder. [Poster Presentation]. Symposium on Research in Child Language Disorders, Madison, WI.
Differences in Learning Mechanisms Used for Grammatical Learning in Children with and without DLD. [Poster Presentation]. Society for Research in Child Development 2025 Biennial Meeting, Minneapolis. MN.
Statistical Learning with Inner Speech Suppression – Behavioral and ERP Evidence from an Artificial Grammar Learning Task in Children. [Poster Presentation & Data Blitz Session]. Cognitive Neuroscience Society 2025 Annual Meeting, Boston. MA.