Hand gestures to support expression for autistic and language‑impaired people in rural areas
Official title: Rural Autistic Individuals - Supporting Expression
Run by Montana State University · NCT07054866 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research tests whether gestures adapted from American Sign Language help people with autism, developmental language disorders, or related conditions in rural communities understand and communicate words better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 2 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Montana State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bozeman, Montana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07054866 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people age 2 and up who live in rural areas, have confirmed or suspected autism spectrum disorder or receptive language impairment (or are typically developing controls), have normal or corrected hearing and vision, and have caregivers who speak English.
✕Probably not a fit
People with significant hearing loss, inborn or acquired brain damage, or those unable or unwilling to travel to the testing site are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants wear non‑invasive neuroimaging gear (EEG and fNIRS simultaneously) and have their eye movements recorded while watching pictures and videos pairing spoken words with hand gestures adapted from ASL. Tasks include passive computer viewing of object pictures with matching speech and gestures, optional picture‑book tasks to probe comprehension and problem solving if the participant can engage, and questionnaires for caregivers or adult participants. The EEG requires scalp electrodes with gel and participants wear a cloth helmet with sensors; fNIRS measures blood flow through the scalp. Data will be used to see whether gesture+speech combinations improve neural and behavioral markers of word comprehension in people from rural communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families could learn practical gesture techniques to improve word understanding and everyday communication for children and adults with language difficulties in rural areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous behavioral studies have shown that gestures can aid word learning and comprehension in children and some autistic individuals, but combining ASL‑derived gestures with simultaneous EEG and fNIRS in rural populations is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1.1 Confirmed (preferably) or suspected diagnosis of ASD (autism spectrum disorder), or a receptive language impairment (i.e., difficulties with comprehension, Developmental Language Disorder), or both. Additional diagnoses, including ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder), are acceptable. Siblings and cousins of these individuals are also welcome. OR 1.2 No diagnoses of ASD or DLD for unrelated control typically-developing participants. 2\. Normal hearing and normal vision (or corrected to normal with glasses or contacts). 3\. Ages 2+. 4. English as the dominant language of caregivers. 5. Caregivers who self-identify as living in a rural area. 6. The ability to verbally or physically respond is optional. Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. Poor hearing. 2. Inborn or acquired brain damage.
Where it's running
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Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nadya N Modyanova, Ph.D.
- Email: language-research@montana.edu
- Phone: 406-848-1535
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.