How Simplified Language Affects Comprehension and Learning in Young Autistic Children
Eligible age
1–4 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
No
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About this study
The long-term study goal is to experimentally evaluate the components (and likely active ingredients) of early language interventions for young children with ASD. The overall objective is to determine how single-word and telegraphic simplification affects real-time language processing and word learning in young children with ASD (relative to full, grammatical utterances). The proposed project will investigate three specific aims: 1) Determine how single-word and telegraphic simplification affects language processing. 2) Determine how single-word and telegraphic simplification affects word learning. 3) Evaluate child characteristics that may moderate the effects of linguistic simplification on language processing and word learning. Aim 1 will test the hypothesis that children with ASD will process full, grammatical utterances faster and more accurately than single-word or telegraphic utterances. Aim 2 will test the hypothesis that full, grammatical utterances will support word learning better than telegraphic or single-word utterances. Aim 3 will test the hypothesis that language and cognitive skills significantly moderate the effects of linguistic simplification on language processing and word learning in young children with ASD.
Sponsor: Michigan State University
You may qualify if…
- ✓ Existing or suspected autism spectrum disorder, confirmed through ADOS-2
- ✓ English as primary language
- ✓ 1-4 years old
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ Known genetic condition (e.g., Down syndrome, fragile X)
- ✕ Cerebral palsy
- ✕ Acquired brain injury
- ✕ Uncorrected vision or hearing impairment
Where it's recruiting
East Lansing
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05707923 · last updated 2026-06-15