How autistic children learn words from baby talk
Official title: Word Learning from Infant-Directed Speech in Autistic Children
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11039991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way we talk to babies, like using a sing-song voice, can help autistic children learn new words better, and it wants to see if talking to them in person or through recordings makes a difference.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021803-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039991 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are between the ages of 0 to 11 years.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on the autism spectrum or who are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how infant-directed speech (IDS), often used by caregivers when talking to young children, affects language learning in autistic children. The study aims to determine if IDS can help these children learn new words, comparing its effectiveness in different formats, such as recorded versus live interactions. By understanding how autistic children respond to IDS, the research seeks to identify optimal ways to support their language development. This could lead to tailored communication strategies that enhance learning for children on the autism spectrum.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve language acquisition strategies for autistic children, potentially leading to better communication skills.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that infant-directed speech is effective for typically developing children, but this study aims to explore its effects specifically in autistic children, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Pumpki Lei — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Su, Pumpki Lei
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.