Adele M. Dunkin, SLP.D., CCC SLP

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About Adele Dunkin

Adele M. Dunkin, SLP.D., CCC-SLP, IMH-E® is a Co-Director of Clinical Education in Speech-Language Pathology and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Memphis’ School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She oversees clinical education programming, supports clinical faculty and graduate student development, and works to create meaningful learning experiences that prepare future speech-language pathologists for the realities of contemporary clinical practice.

Dr. Dunkin brings clinical experience across educational, early intervention, rehabilitative, and interdisciplinary healthcare settings. Her work has focused on autism assessment, neurodevelopmental disabilities, family-centered counseling, and interprofessional collaboration. These experiences continue to inform her approach to clinical education, disability inclusion, accessibility, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.

Her clinical, teaching, and scholarly interests include clinical education and supervision, reflective practice, autism assessment across the lifespan, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting individuals with communication and neurodevelopmental differences. She is particularly interested in helping future clinicians develop strong clinical reasoning, effective interpersonal skills, and the confidence to navigate complex real-world situations.

In addition to her teaching and clinical leadership roles, Dr. Dunkin writes, presents, and consults on autism, disability inclusion, accessibility, clinical education, and supporting students and professionals with disabilities. Much of her recent work has focused on helping educational, clinical, and workplace systems create environments where individuals with disabilities can thrive while meeting essential professional competencies. Underlying this work is a commitment to advancing evidence-based practices that help individuals navigate complex systems, increase access, foster belonging, and support meaningful participation in their communities.

Education:

• Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 2026
• Master of Communication Disorders, Arkansas State University, 2013
• Bachelor of Science, Arkansas State University, 2012

Certifications/Endorsements:

• International Endorsement in Infant Mental Health (Family Associate) IMH-E®, Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee/Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health, 2023
• Clinical Certification in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2), Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, 2022
• Certified It Takes Two to Talk® Program Trainer/Coordinator, The Hanen Centre®, 2019
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), 2014

Advocacy Service:

• Vice President, Board of Directors for the Arc of Tennessee, 2024-2025
• West Tennessee Regional Representative, Board of Directors for the Arc of Tennessee, 2022-2024, 2025—Present

Awards and Honors:

• Award for Continuing Education (ACE), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2025
• Award for Continuing Education (ACE), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2024
• Award for Continuing Education (ACE), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2023
• Award for Continuing Education (ACE), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2020
• Induction, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, 2012

Areas of Expertise and Scholarly Interest

• Clinical education, supervision, and competency-based professional training
• Reflective practice and clinical reasoning development in healthcare professions
• Autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed principles of care
• Disability inclusion, accessibility, and accommodations
• Support for students and professionals with disabilities

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