Understanding language development in young children with autism

Prediction and Early Language Development in Young Children with ASD

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10669727

This study is looking at how young children with autism learn to talk and what might make it harder for them, by comparing their language skills to those of other toddlers, to help find better ways to support their communication development.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10669727 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) develop language skills and the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to language delays. It focuses on the role of prediction and expectation in language learning, comparing the abilities of toddlers with ASD to those of typically developing peers. The study will involve several experiments to assess how children with ASD process language and whether they exhibit unique learning patterns. By identifying these factors, the research aims to provide insights that could inform interventions for improving language outcomes in children with ASD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who are experiencing language delays.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or who do not exhibit language delays may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for supporting language development in children with autism, ultimately improving their communication skills and overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding language development in children with ASD, but this specific approach focusing on prediction processes is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Madison, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.