Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 1 Year to 4

Evaluating how simplified language helps young autistic children learn

Official title: How Single-Word and Telegraphic Simplification Affects Language Processing and Word Learning in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Run by Michigan State University · NCT05707923 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using simpler language helps young autistic children learn words better than using full sentences.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages1 Year to 4 Years
SexAll
Enrollment104 (estimated)
SponsorMichigan State University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (East Lansing, Michigan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 1, 2023
Main results expectedMay 31, 2027
Study endsMay 31, 2027
Registry record updatedJune 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT05707923 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 1-4 years who have existing or suspected autism spectrum disorder and speak English as their primary language.

Probably not a fit

Patients with known genetic conditions, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, or uncorrected vision or hearing impairments may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to experimentally assess how different forms of linguistic simplification, such as single-word and telegraphic speech, impact language processing and word learning in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research will compare the effectiveness of these simplified language forms against full grammatical utterances. It will also explore child characteristics that may influence the effectiveness of these interventions. The goal is to identify the most effective language strategies for enhancing comprehension and learning in this population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective language interventions for young children with autism, improving their communication skills and learning outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in using simplified language interventions for children with ASD, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Existing or suspected autism spectrum disorder, confirmed through ADOS-2
* English as primary language
* 1-4 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known genetic condition (e.g., Down syndrome, fragile X)
* Cerebral palsy
* Acquired brain injury
* Uncorrected vision or hearing impairment

Where it's running

  • Michigan State University
    East Lansing, Michigan, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.