Speech-in-noise Perception in Autism and Fragile X

Launched by CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER, CINCINNATI · Oct 12, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how the brain processes speech when there is background noise, particularly in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Researchers want to find out which areas of the brain are active during these situations and whether visual cues, like lip movements or gestures, can help people understand speech better when there's noise around them. Participants will undergo hearing tests, complete questionnaires about their symptoms, and perform tasks while their brain activity is monitored.

To join the study, individuals should be between the ages of 5 and 18, have normal hearing and vision, and speak English as their first language. Those with ASD must have a confirmed diagnosis, while participants with FXS need to have genetic testing that shows they have the condition. The study is currently looking for participants, and it’s important to note that those with hearing loss or certain other medical conditions won’t be eligible. Overall, this trial aims to improve our understanding of how these conditions affect communication in noisy environments, which might help develop better support strategies in the future.

Gender

ALL

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)