Understanding and treating speech difficulties in minimally verbal children with autism
Official title: Identifying and Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Minimally Verbal Children with Autism
Funded at Mgh Institute of Health Professions · NIH-11033372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some children with autism who have trouble speaking, especially those with a condition called Childhood Apraxia of Speech, move their mouths when they try to talk, so we can find better ways to help them communicate more easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mgh Institute of Health Professions NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlestown, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $97,984 |
| NIH project number | 3R00DC017490-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are minimally verbal children with autism, particularly those who may also exhibit signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are verbally proficient or do not have autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the challenges faced by minimally verbal children with autism, particularly focusing on those who may have Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), a condition that affects their ability to plan and produce speech. The study involves comparing speech movement patterns between children diagnosed with CAS and those without, using non-invasive facial movement tracking technology. By understanding the relationship between CAS and speech intelligibility, the research aims to develop targeted interventions that can help improve communication skills in these children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that enhance speech development in minimally verbal children with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding and treating speech disorders in children, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Mgh Institute of Health Professions
Charlestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chenausky, Karen V — Mgh Institute of Health Professions
- Study coordinator: Chenausky, Karen V
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding How the Brain Processes Speech in Autism
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Understanding Speech in Autism
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-
Understanding how the brain processes speech and sounds in autism
This study is looking at how the brains of adults with autism process sounds, like speech and music, compared to those without autism, to better understand language challenges and help create better support for communication skills.
-
Understanding how context affects speech processing in autism.
This study is looking at how people with autism understand speech, especially when there’s a lot of background noise, to help find better ways for them to communicate and connect with others.
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.