Aieshea Banks, PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor
Dr. Aieshea Banks is a full-time assistant professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. She began her career as a clinical speech-language pathologist in 2003. Her clinical background includes providing dynamic assessments and person-centered care to youth and young adults with various communication needs in early intervention, public and charter (K-12) education, and private practice settings.
Dr. Banks joined the faculty in December 2014 and has served the department in various capacities. She instructs students at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels, teaching coursework in Clinical Methods and Procedures, Counseling, Neurodiversity, and topics related to Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. She has provided lectures to graduate students on the topics of professional ethics, behavioral support in speech therapy, and stress management. She has developed the curriculum and served as the program director of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Preparation Program for non-degree students.
Additionally, as an advocate for supporting neurodivergent individuals, Dr. Banks provides clinical instruction to graduate students in the department’s Communication Clinic for Autism Spectrum and offers parental education to the Behavioral Health Institute Flex Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for ADHD and associated illnesses. She has a history of serving on committees and participating in organizations that aim to provide mentorship, support to the profession, and advocacy for individuals from underrepresented communities.
Furthermore, as a neurodivergent professional, Dr. Banks’ interests include her passion for providing professional and community education on topics related to neurodiversity, neurodivergent communication and support, counseling, and diversity.
EDUCATION:
- Ph.D., Rehabilitation Sciences, Loma Linda University
- M.A., Communicative Disorders, California State University, Fullerton
- B.A., Communicative Disorders, California State University, Fullerton
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES
- 2004, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, #12070419,
- 2004, California License in Speech Pathology, California, #14178
- 2022, Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner Professional Certification, August 2022
- 2023, Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) - #382835
- 2024, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - Rehabilitation Services Provider (ADHD-RSP) - #931876
RESEARCH:
- Banks, A. L., Mainess, K. J., Javaherian, H., & Natsuaki, M. N. (2024). “Very Misunderstood”: Self-Perceived Social Communication Experiences of Autistic Young Adults. Youth, 4(4), 1628-1646. https://doi.org/10.3390/youth4040104
- Banks, A. L., & Mainess, K. J. (2022). “We’re operating closer to the red”: Social communication reflections of autistic young adults. Journal of the National Black Association of Speech-Language and Hearing, 17(2).
- Banks, A. L., Mainess, K., Javaherian, H., & Natsuaki, M. (2022). Self-Perceived Social Communication Experiences of Autistic Young Adults: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Department of Rehabilitation Science, Loma Linda University
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS:
07/2024 Professional Development Workshop: “Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices:
A Deeper Dive into Assessment, Treatment Goals, & Supporting Complex Communicators ” (6 Hours) – San Bernardino City Unified School District, San Bernardino, CA
6/2024 Parent Education Presentation: Support and Advocacy for Youth with ADHD – Flex Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Youth Mental Health, Loma Linda University Behavioral Health
05/2024 Professional Presentation: “Issa Hit or Miss”: The Impact of ADHD on Communication and Interaction (1 Hour) - Virtual Presentation – Bright Ideas Media
04/2024 Professional Presentation: Neurodiversity and Intersection with People of Color, Disparities, and Culture Differences (1 Hour) – Virtual Presentation - Memphis Area Affiliate Chapter of National Black Association of Speech-Language and Hearing Annual Convention (NBASLH)
04/2024 Professional Panelist: Unmasking Neurodiversity: Exploring Inclusion, Understanding, and Belonging Beyond the Surface (1 Hour) – Virtual Presentation - Micah 6:8 Series – The NeighborGood Initiative, Loma Linda University
04/2024 Professional Presentation: Counseling Neurodivergent Families with Invisible Disabilities on Education and Advocacy (1 Hour) - National Black Association of Speech-Language and Hearing Annual Convention (NBASLH), Raleigh, North Carolina
03/2024 Professional Development Workshop: “Exploring Neurodiversity: The Journey of Awareness, Advocacy, and Support” (6 Hours) – San Bernardino City Unified School District, San Bernardino, CA
02/2024 Parent Education Presentation: “I Need a Minute”: Managing Stress While Parenting and Adulting (1 Hour) – Flex Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Youth Mental Health, Loma Linda University Behavioral Health
12/2023 Parent Education Presentation: Effective Communication Strategies for Youth with ADHD (1 Hour) – Flex Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Youth Mental Health, Loma Linda University Behavioral Health
11/2023 Professional Presentation: Neurodiversity: Developing a Mindset of Awareness (2 Hours) – Virtual Presentation - Trauma Informed Care Training Center
11/2023 Professional Presentation: Empowering Communication in Neurodivergent Individuals (45 min) – Speech Retreat Virtual Conference, Speech Time Fun, Inc.
10/2023 Parent Education Presentation: Effective Communication Strategies for Youth with ADHD (1 Hour) – Flex Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Youth Mental Health, Loma Linda University Behavioral Health
09/2023 Parent Education Presentation: Understanding ADHD: From Stigma to Support (Part 2) (1 Hour) Flex Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Youth Mental Health, Loma Linda University Behavioral Health
12/2022 Academic Presentation: Disability Models, Neurodiversity, & Self-Perceived Social Communication Experiences of Autistic Young Adults (90 min) – California State University, Fullerton, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
11/2022 Professional Presentation: Self-Perceived Social Communication Experiences of Autistic Young Adults: A Phenomenological Study (1 Hour) – American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention (ASHA), New Orleans, Louisiana
12/2021 Professional Panelist: CSHA Convos – Culture in Academia And Beyond (45 min) –
California Speech-Language-Hearing Association – Virtual Panelist Presentation
01/2021 Professional Panelist: NBASLH Talks - Back to School Series Part 4: Supervise Me (45 Min)- National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing – Virtual Panelist Presentation