Understanding conversations in autistic teens
Official title: Ready to CONNECT: Conversation and Language in Autistic Teens
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10931738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how autistic teens talk and what helps them have good conversations, so if you're a parent or caregiver of a teen aged 12 to 15, your insights could help us understand their communication better!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $499,333 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021564-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 15 who have autism spectrum disorder and age-appropriate scores on standardized language assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 12 or older than 15, or those who do not have autism spectrum disorder, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how autistic teens communicate and what factors contribute to successful conversations. By analyzing both natural and standardized language features, the study aims to identify key elements that facilitate effective communication. Using machine learning, researchers will evaluate conversational profiles from spontaneous interactions and standardized assessments, focusing on adolescents aged 12 to 15. The study will involve collecting data through videoconferencing and in-person conversations to better understand the dynamics of communication among autistic individuals and their peers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance communication strategies for autistic teens, leading to improved social interactions and relationships.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding communication challenges in autistic individuals, but this approach using machine learning and a focus on conversational dynamics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eigsti, Inge-Marie — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Eigsti, Inge-Marie
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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.