Understanding how the brain processes speech and sounds in autism
Official title: The neural underpinnings of speech and nonspeech auditory processing in autism: Implications for language
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10975045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | January 7, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $30,133 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC021637-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms involved in processing speech and nonspeech sounds in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study will compare the auditory processing abilities of autistic individuals with those of neurotypical adults. By examining how these brain processes relate to language skills, the research aims to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to language impairments in autism. The findings could lead to improved language interventions tailored for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance language interventions for individuals with autism, leading to better communication outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that examining brain-behavior relationships in autism can yield valuable insights, suggesting that this approach may lead to meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Hannah — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Hannah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how context shapes speech processing in autism
A study to learn how people with autism process speech differently in real-life listening situations.
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Understanding How the Brain Processes Speech in Autism
This project explores how the brain of individuals with autism processes speech, especially in noisy places or when trying to understand social cues.
-
Understanding Speech in Autism
This project looks at how the brain controls speech in children and teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder to help us find better ways to support their communication.
-
Understanding and treating speech difficulties in minimally verbal children with autism
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.
-
Exploring how speech and song can help children with autism develop language skills
This study is looking at how babies, especially those with autism, can learn to talk better by paying attention to both speech and music, and it aims to find out how watching and listening to their caregivers can help improve their communication skills.
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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.