Understanding and treating speech difficulties in minimally verbal children with autism

Identifying and Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Minimally Verbal Children with Autism

NIH-funded research Mgh Institute of Health Professions · NIH-10745931

This study is looking at how Childhood Apraxia of Speech affects the way minimally verbal children with autism communicate, and it aims to find ways to help them speak more clearly and confidently.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMgh Institute of Health Professions NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlestown, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10745931 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and speech difficulties in minimally verbal children with autism. It aims to identify how CAS affects speech production and intelligibility by comparing children with and without CAS. The study employs facial movement tracking to assess speech motor function and seeks to develop targeted interventions to improve communication skills in these children. By understanding the impact of CAS, the research hopes to enhance treatment strategies for better speech outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are minimally verbal children with autism, particularly those who may also have Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

Not a fit: Patients who are verbal or do not have autism may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved speech therapy techniques that help minimally verbal children with autism communicate more effectively.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding and treating speech disorders in children, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Charlestown, 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.
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.