Deficits in language skill can be severely limiting for an individual with an autism spectrum disorder, creating barriers in cognitive and social development and in long-term outcomes, such as the ability to live independently. This project directly addresses a critical problem in the study of autism spectrum disorders (ASD);heterogeneity in language functioning. We propose to study the neural response associated with perception of auditory and audiovisual speech in children with ASD. To do this, we will pair EEG/ERP and eye- tracking technology to collect perceptual data to identify biomarkers associated with language outcome. In addition, we will include a novel control group of children with disorders in spoken language. Children with disorders in spoken language share deficits in language with children with ASD, but do not exhibit primary deficits in social reciprocity. Thus, this comparison will allow us to tease apart the contribution of linguistic and social factors to problems in language functioning in children with ASD. Further, using a single-subject design, we will pilot a focused speech perception training to assess the efficacy of this approach for improving perception of auditory and audiovisual speech in children with ASD. Identifying the underlying biomarkers of speech perception will significantly further our scientific knowledge about the causes of language deficits in ASD and contribute to the objectives of the IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research by targeting identification of biomarkers in language functioning for affected individuals across the autism spectrum. Specifically, this work will 1) address how speech processing correlates with the range of language functioning in ASD (heterogeneity), 2) lead to development of a tool that may result in early identification of children with ASD at greatest risk for significant language deficits (earlier detection) and 3) evaluate an intervention explicitly designed to train auditory and audiovisual perceptual skills in children with ASD (development of targeted interventions).

Public Health Relevance

Deficits in language skill can be severely limiting for an individual with an autism spectrum disorder, creating barriers in cognitive and social development and in long-term outcomes, such as the ability to live independently. This project directly addresses a critical problem in the study of autism spectrum disorders (ASD);variability in language functioning. Using a non-invasive, painless technique we will assess brain responses and patterns of gaze to speaking faces in children with ASD who exhibit a range of language function. Identifying the underlying brain response during audiovisual speech processing will significantly further our scientific knowledge about the causes of language deficits in ASD. Specifically, this work will contribute to the objectives of the IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research as set forth by NIH to 1) address how speech processing relates to the range of language functioning in ASD (heterogeneity), 2) lead to development of a tool that may result in early identification of children with ASD at greatest risk for significant language deficits (earlier detection) and 3) evaluate an intervention explicitly designed to train auditory and audiovisual perceptual skills in children with ASD (development of targeted interventions).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21DC011342-01A1
Application #
8191688
Study Section
Child Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Study Section (CPDD)
Program Officer
Cooper, Judith
Project Start
2011-07-01
Project End
2013-06-30
Budget Start
2011-07-01
Budget End
2012-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$240,420
Indirect Cost
Name
Haskins Laboratories, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
060010147
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06511
Turcios, Jacqueline; Cook, Barbara; Irwin, Julia et al. (2017) A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research. J Vis Exp :
Irwin, Julia; DiBlasi, Lori (2017) Audiovisual speech perception: A new approach and implications for clinical populations. Lang Linguist Compass 11:77-91
Irwin, Julia; Avery, Trey; Turcios, Jacqueline et al. (2017) Electrophysiological Indices of Audiovisual Speech Perception in the Broader Autism Phenotype. Brain Sci 7:
Irwin, Julia; Turcios, Jacqueline (2017) Teaching and learning guide for audiovisual speech perception: A new approach and implications for clinical populations. Lang Linguist Compass 11:92-97
Irwin, Julia; Brancazio, Lawrence; Volpe, Nicole (2017) The development of gaze to a speaking face. J Acoust Soc Am 141:3145
Preston, Jonathan L; Irwin, Julia R; Turcios, Jacqueline (2015) Perception of Speech Sounds in School-Aged Children with Speech Sound Disorders. Semin Speech Lang 36:224-33
Irwin, Julia; Preston, Jonathan; Brancazio, Lawrence et al. (2015) Development of an audiovisual speech perception app for children with autism spectrum disorders. Clin Linguist Phon 29:76-83
Irwin, Julia R; Brancazio, Lawrence (2014) Seeing to hear? Patterns of gaze to speaking faces in children with autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychol 5:397
Preston, Jonathan L; Molfese, Peter J; Gumkowski, Nina et al. (2014) Neurophysiology of speech differences in childhood apraxia of speech. Dev Neuropsychol 39:385-403
Irwin, Julia R; Moore, Dina L; Tornatore, Lauren A et al. (2012) Promoting Emerging Language and Literacy During Storytime. Child Libr 10:20-23