The Minimally Verbal Autism (MVA) Study examines how children with autism process auditory and other sensory information using noninvasive electroencephalography (EEG). Participants wear a soft EEG cap that records brain activity while they listen to sounds and complete or passively participate in research tasks. The study also includes standardized assessments of communication, cognition, adaptive functioning, autism characteristics, and sensory processing, as well as caregiver interviews and questionnaires. Participation is typically completed across 2–3 visits, with visits lasting approximately 1–4 hours depending on the child’s needs and tolerance.
We are recruiting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are minimally verbal or nonverbal and have significant communication and support needs. Participants are approximately 7–13 years old. There is no restriction based on race, ethnicity, or genetic background. A parent or legal guardian participates in caregiver interviews and questionnaires regarding the child’s development, adaptive functioning, communication, behavior, and sensory profile.
08/01/2025 - 09/30/2028
The Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab