Predicting Language and Literacy in Children with Autism Using Statistical Learning (PLAUSL)
The PLAUSL Project at Northeastern University, funded by NIH, invites families to participate in a study investigating autistic children’s learning and language development.
Fast Facts
Children Diagnosed With Autism
6-7 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Boston, MA
Study Background
We want to learn more about autistic children’s development of language.
In this study, we aim to evaluate children’s use of statistical learning — one theory for how children acquire language. We aim to understand how statistical learning relates to the development of language and literacy skills across a 3-month period. Specifically, we are interested in the differences in the role of statistical learning between children with and without autism.
If eligible, your child will participate in various activities, including language assessments and online games (including a robot summer camp and learning an alien language). Your child may also participate in an fMRI session, during which they will complete various tasks and watch their favorite shows or movies in this low-risk neuroimaging session.
Enroll your child today and help us learn more about language development in children!
Study Background
We want to learn more about autistic children’s development of language.
In this study, we aim to evaluate children’s use of statistical learning — one theory for how children acquire language. We aim to understand how statistical learning relates to the development of language and literacy skills across a 3-month period. Specifically, we are interested in the differences in the role of statistical learning between children with and without autism.
If eligible, your child will participate in various activities, including language assessments and online games (including a robot summer camp and learning an alien language). Your child may also participate in an fMRI session, during which they will complete various tasks and watch their favorite shows or movies in this low-risk neuroimaging session.
Enroll your child today and help us learn more about language development in children!
Additional Information
The results of this study will help us understand the role of statistical learning on language development in early readers, as well as how this role may differ between typically developing and autistic children.
In order to participate, your child must:
- be between the ages of 6-7yrs
- have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- be a native English speaker
- have less than 30 hours/week of exposure to any language besides English before the age of 5
- have normal or corrected-to-normal vision and normal hearing
- have no history of brain injury
This study will consist of up to 5 visits. This includes two 90-minute virtual tele-sessions conducted via Zoom, during which your child will complete language assessments and a fun game designed to evaluate statistical learning abilities.
This study also includes an optional in-person MRI session, including a 90-minute fMRI scan.
Finally, three months after the first session, your child will complete two follow-up virtual sessions via Zoom, during which they will complete language assessments and a statistical learning game.
Compensation for participating include $40 for the initial two tele-assessment sessions, $100 for the in-person MRI session, and $40 for the follow-up tele-assessment sessions, for a total compensation of up to $180. Participants who choose to withdraw early will be compensated for their time at a rate of $10 per 30 minutes. Additionally, your child will receive prizes via mail for completing the games.
There is no cost for your child to participate in our research study.
