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How Simplified Language Affects Comprehension and Learning in Young Autistic Children
How Single-Word and Telegraphic Simplification Affects Language Processing and Word Learning in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Who can join
Ages 1 to 4 · All sexes
Full eligibility 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
About the study
The long-term study goal is to experimentally evaluate the components (and likely active ingredients) of early language interventions for young children with ASD. The overall objective is to determine how single-word and telegraphic simplification affects real-time language processing and word learning in young children with ASD (relative to full, grammatical utterances). The proposed project will investigate three specific aims: 1) Determine how single-word and telegraphic simplification affects language processing. 2) Determine how single-word and telegraphic simplification affects word learning. 3) Evaluate child characteristics that may moderate the effects of linguistic simplification on language processing and word learning. Aim 1 will test the hypothesis that children with ASD will process full, grammatical utterances faster and more accurately than single-word or telegraphic utterances. Aim 2 will test the hypothesis that full, grammatical utterances will support word learning better than telegraphic or single-word utterances. Aim 3 will test the hypothesis that language and cognitive skills significantly moderate the effects of linguistic simplification on language processing and word learning in young children with ASD.
What is being tested
- Linguistic simplification (behavioral)
Sponsor: Michigan State University · Participants: 104 · Started: Jun 1, 2023
Contact the study team
- Courtney Venker, PhD · Phone: 5178842259
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05707923
Locations in the U.S.
| Michigan | Michigan State University, East Lansing |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.