Understanding how people with autism and Fragile X perceive speech in noisy environments

Cortical Mechanisms of Speech in Noise Perception in Autism and Fragile X Syndrome

This study is testing how well young people with autism and Fragile X Syndrome can understand speech in noisy places compared to those without these conditions.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 15 Years to 35 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• Trial ID: NCT06088589 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify brain regions involved in speech perception amidst background noise in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome, as well as typically developing controls. Participants aged 15-35 will undergo hearing tests, cognitive assessments, and neuroimaging while performing speech-in-noise tasks. The study will compare brain activity and performance across different groups to understand the impact of background noise on speech comprehension and the potential role of visual cues in enhancing hearing. The research seeks to provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying speech perception in these populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 15-35 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fragile X Syndrome, or typically developing individuals without a family history of these conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with hearing loss, uncorrected vision loss, or a history of premature birth may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for enhancing speech comprehension in noisy environments for individuals with autism and Fragile X Syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on speech perception in autism, this specific approach focusing on brain activation during speech-in-noise perception is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. normal audiograms (PTA ≤ 20 dB HL)
2. corrected 20/20 vision (Snellen chart)
3. no history of premature birth (prior to 36 weeks gestation)
4. no medications known to affect EEG signal
5. English as the first language

Inclusion for the Autism group requires the following:

1\) diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder either based on previous ADOS administration and developmental history, or confirmed via ADOS and developmental history

Inclusion for the Autism + FXS group requires the following:

1. Documented PCR/Southern Blot genetic testing confirming full mutation FXS
2. Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, per Autism group.

Inclusion for the Typically Developing group requires the following:

1. no siblings or parents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Fragile X Syndrome
2. no current neurological or psychiatric diagnoses
3. IQ over 75

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hearing loss or uncorrected vision loss
* history of premature birth (prior to 36 weeks gestation)

Where this trial is running

Cincinnati, Ohio

• Cincinnati Children'S Hospital — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Elizabeth Smith, PhD — Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
• Study coordinator: Elizabeth Smith, PhD

Conditions Autism Spectrum Disorder; Fragile X Syndrome