Understanding how autistic young adults recognize spoken words
Official title: Modeling Individual Differences in the Temporal Dynamics of Spoken Word Recognition in Autistic Young Adults
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11186990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different people with autism hear and understand spoken words, using special technology to see how their brains respond, and it's for autistic young adults aged 18-35 and their non-autistic friends.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC022187-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11186990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are autistic adults aged 18-35 with varying language abilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 18-35 or those without autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individual differences affect the way autistic young adults recognize spoken words. By using EEG technology and machine learning, the study aims to identify the neural dynamics involved in word recognition and how these relate to language abilities. Participants, including autistic adults aged 18-35 and their neurotypical peers, will engage in tasks that measure their response to spoken words and nonwords. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind language impairments in autism and improve understanding of language processing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for supporting language development in autistic individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using EEG and machine learning to study language processing, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Canale, Rebecca — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Canale, Rebecca
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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.