Learning words through parentese in autistic children
Official title: Autism Word Learning and Infant Directed-Speech
Run by The University of Texas at Dallas · NCT06649916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using a special way of talking called parentese helps autistic children learn new words better when it's done through videos compared to live interactions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Months to 59 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas at Dallas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Richardson, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 4, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06649916 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 18 to 59 months, with or without a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
✕Probably not a fit
Children who have significant hearing or visual impairments, or other developmental disorders affecting language, 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 research aims to explore whether parentese, a speech style characterized by higher pitch and exaggerated intonation, can help autistic children learn new words. The study will compare the effectiveness of parentese delivered through video versus live interactions. Additionally, it will investigate factors that may influence how well autistic children respond to parentese, such as their sensitivity to sound and social motivation. By understanding these dynamics, the study seeks to optimize language input for autistic children to enhance their language development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve language learning strategies for autistic children, potentially leading to better communication skills.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of parentese has been effective in typically developing children, its application in autistic populations is less explored, making this approach relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * children with or without a diagnosis of ASD between 18 and 59 months Exclusion Criteria: * hears another language more than 10% of time based on parent report * has uncorrected visual impairment or hearing impairment * has developmental disorders or medical conditions other than ASD that affect language or cognition (excepting psychiatric conditions often comorbid with ASD such as ADHD)
Where it's running
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University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pumpki L. Su, PhD — The University of Texas at Dallas
- Study coordinator: Pumpki L Su, PhD
- Email: lei.su@utdallas.edu
- Phone: 972-883-2384
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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.