Using speech patterns to improve conversations for autistic teens
Official title: Using speech entrainment to predict conversational outcomes in autistic adolescents
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11044294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how matching speech patterns during conversations can help autistic teens communicate better, and it aims to find ways to improve their conversation skills by observing how they interact with their peers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $207,036 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC021708-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are on the autism spectrum.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 12 to 20 or who do not have autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how speech entrainment, the way people adjust their speech to match their conversation partner, can predict the success of conversations among autistic adolescents. By measuring these speech patterns, the study aims to identify challenges in communication and develop strategies to enhance conversational skills. The methodology involves analyzing interactions between autistic and neurotypical adolescents to understand how speech behaviors influence conversational outcomes. This approach could provide valuable insights for clinicians working with autistic youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication strategies for autistic adolescents, enhancing their social interactions and relationships.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using speech entrainment to predict conversational outcomes in neurotypical adolescents, suggesting potential for similar findings in autistic populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wynn, Camille J. — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Wynn, Camille J.
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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.