Rural Autistic Individuals - Supporting Expression

Launched by MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY · Jun 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is exploring how using hand gestures, based on signs from American Sign Language, can help children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other language or attention difficulties better understand and communicate words. It focuses especially on those living in rural areas, where access to speech and language support is often limited. By tracking eye movements and measuring brain activity, researchers hope to learn how these gestures can make it easier for children—whether they speak, use few words, or don’t speak—to understand language and connect with their families.

Children and young people aged 2 and older who have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of autism, language comprehension challenges, ADHD, or related conditions may be eligible to participate, as well as their siblings, cousins, or children without these diagnoses for comparison. Participants need to have normal hearing and vision (or use glasses/contacts) and live in a rural area. Caregivers should speak English as their main language. Taking part involves simple activities like watching and responding to gestures while their eye movements and brain responses are recorded. This study aims to find ways families can use hand gestures to better support their child’s communication in everyday life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 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.
• • OR 1.2 No diagnoses of ASD or DLD for unrelated control typically-developing participants.
• • 2. Normal hearing and normal vision (or corrected to normal with glasses or contacts).
• • 3. Ages 2+. 4. English as the dominant language of caregivers. 5. Caregivers who self-identify as living in a rural area. 6. The ability to verbally or physically respond is optional.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Poor hearing. 2. Inborn or acquired brain damage.