This study aims to better understand how the brains of children with autism process speech and other sounds. We are especially interested in learning more about children who use few or no spoken words, a group that has been underrepresented in brain research. What we learn may help guide more personalized communication and intervention approaches in the future. Children will visit the lab and wear a comfortable EEG cap that records brain activity non-invasively. While wearing the cap, they will watch age-appropriate videos and listen to a variety of sounds, including simple tones, speech sounds, and spoken stories. No speaking or active responses are required. The study is designed to be low-stress, and breaks are provided as needed. Participation may take place in one or more sessions, depending on the child’s comfort. The full study session could take up to 4 hours, but can be split up if needed. The child will also undergo some simple cognitive testing while in session.
8 to 12 year-old individuals have to meet diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder on the basis of the following measures: (1) ADOS-2 [99, 100]; (2) Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder from the DSM-5; (3) Clinical impression of licensed clinician with extensive experience in diagnosis of autistic children. Exclusion criteria: Hearing impairment or uncorrected visual impairment; genetic disorders (e.g. Fragile X, Tuberous Sclerosis, Rett Syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion and 15q deletion). TD (typically developing) may not have a first degree relative with of ASD or language impairment, or a history of special education services. We are focusing on recruiting participants with profound autism, minimally or non-verbal.
04/03/2026 - 12/31/2026
Northeast USA (ME, MA, NH, VT, RI, PA, MD, CT, NY, NJ )
Albert Einstein College of Medicine; contact [email protected]