Understanding conversations in autistic teens

Ready to CONNECT: Conversation and Language in Autistic Teens

NIH-funded research University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10931738

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931738 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 15 who have autism spectrum disorder and age-appropriate scores on standardized language assessments.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Storrs-Mansfield, 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 Autistic Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.