Improving speech development in minimally verbal children with autism

BLOOM: Boosting Language Outcomes of Minimally Verbal Children with ASD

NIH-funded research Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10689723

This study is looking to help young children with autism who have trouble speaking by using two friendly methods together to improve their communication and speech skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10689723 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have limited speech abilities. It aims to combine two interventions: JASPER, which enhances social-communication skills, and PROMPT, which targets oral motor skills to improve speech production. By addressing both communication and motor aspects, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive approach to boost language outcomes in these children. The research will involve assessing the effectiveness of these interventions in promoting speech development in young children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 4 to 11 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who have limited verbal communication skills.

Not a fit: Children who are already verbal or have advanced speech skills may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the speech and communication abilities of minimally verbal children with autism.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar interventions targeting social-communication and oral motor skills in children with speech delays.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.