Using language analysis to improve social skills in adolescents with autism
Official title: Computational Linguistics for Autism-related Social Skills: Assessment for Characterization and Therapy (CLASS-ACT)
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11088210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find new ways to help teenagers with autism improve their social skills and communication by using computer technology to analyze past therapy sessions and discover what works best for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $94,266 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DC021774-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are transition-aged youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who are participating in social communication interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on the autism spectrum or who do not require support for social communication skills may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to utilize advanced computational linguistics techniques to develop effective measures for assessing social communication in adolescents on the autism spectrum. By analyzing a rich dataset from previous interventions, the project seeks to identify key linguistic markers that can predict clinical outcomes and tailor future therapies. The goal is to create scalable and objective tools that can enhance the effectiveness of interventions for youth with autism, ultimately improving their social skills and communication abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective interventions for adolescents with autism, improving their social communication skills.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using computational linguistics in autism interventions has shown promise, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vernon, Ty Weston — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Vernon, Ty Weston
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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.