Combining Sights & Sounds in Autism
What's the study about?
Our study aims to understand how autistic children combine what they see and hear in space. Specifically, we want to better understand how this ability might contribute to social communication and language outcomes, and whether autistic children differ from non-autistic children in how they combine sights and sounds.
Who can participate?
- Autistic and non-autistic children ages 7-17 yearsAutistic children must have a formal diagnosis
- Non-autistic children must have no neuropsychiatric or neurological diagnoses, and
no first-degree relatives with autism - Able to follow verbal instructions
- Able to tolerate EEG
What will participants be doing?
Children will complete an IQ and a language assessment and conduct a short computer task. While wearing an EEG, children will also be asked to point to the location of sounds and flashes of light in a dark, quiet booth. Parents/caregivers will complete questionnaires concerning the child’s social and sensory function. The study visit is expected to take approximately 4 hours.
Why is this important?
Autistic individuals often experience sensory sensitivities, which have been shown to be related to language abilities. Better understanding how autistic children perceive sights and sounds will not only give us insight into how language develops in this population, but may also allow us to target sensory processing for therapeutic intervention.
Quick Facts
WHO:
Researchers: Dr. Mark Wallace
Institution:: Vanderbilt University Multisensory Research Lab
WHAT:
EEG study about sensory processing
WHERE:
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
INTERESTED?
Contact:
Sarah Vassall sarah.g.vassall@vanderbilt.eduEnds October 31, 2024
Study flyer:
