This research study investigates how hand gestures can support language comprehension and communication skills of hearing speaking, non-speaking, and/or minimally verbal individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), who are especially disadvantaged by the lack of accessible services in their rural communities. Individuals with other cognitive profiles, including Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), ADHD, Dyslexia, and others are welcome too. The study uses methods of eye tracking and recording of brain activity to understand how hand gestures adapted from signs from American Sign Language, such as \[cry\], can promote successful understanding of words like "cry". The overarching goal is to help families effectively utilize gestures to support communication with their children.
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.
1. Poor hearing. 2. Inborn or acquired brain damage.
Single group
Speech-Gesture combinations
Behavioralthis is a pretest, test, posttest evaluation of language comprehension with and without gestures, to see if gestures can improve language comprehension
EEG/ERP brain response
In a pretest-test-postest set up, the researchers measure participants' EEG/ERP (electroencephalography/event related potentials) signals in microvolts first prior to exposure to gestures, just with visual animations and auditory words; then the investigators expose participants to visual gestures with auditory words; and finally participants are exposed to animations and auditory words again, to see if gestures contributed to any changes in EEG/ERP.
fNIRS brain response
In a pretest-test-postest set up, the researchers measure participants' brain activation via blood flow response using fNIRS (functional near infrared spectroscopy). The investigators identify whether language or non-language brain areas are activated during animation, speech, or gestures.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
