Child Autism Research Study
Researchers at Michigan State University are conducting a study on how young autistic children process and learn language.
Fast Facts
Children Diagnosed With Autism
1-4 Years Old
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
East Lansing, MI
Study Background
This study will help us understand how different ways of speaking, such as using single words versus full sentences, affect language learning and real-time understanding in autistic children.
As a parent, you know how important language is in your child’s development. We are inviting families to participate in the Processing and Learning Study (PALS), which focuses on how young children with autism understand and learn new words. If your child is between the ages of 1 and 4, has a diagnosis of autism, and primarily hears English at home, your family may qualify.
The study includes two friendly, play-based visits to our lab at Michigan State University in East Lansing. During each visit, your child will engage in short eye-tracking tasks (just watching and listening), and developmental assessments designed to feel like play. You will also complete questionnaires and play with your child in a brief, relaxed session. Snacks are provided for children, and we offer free childcare for siblings who need to come along. Families are compensated for their time, reimbursed for gas, and even offered a hotel stay if you’re traveling from more than 30 miles away.
Study Background
This study will help us understand how different ways of speaking, such as using single words versus full sentences, affect language learning and real-time understanding in autistic children.
As a parent, you know how important language is in your child’s development. We are inviting families to participate in the Processing and Learning Study (PALS), which focuses on how young children with autism understand and learn new words. If your child is between the ages of 1 and 4, has a diagnosis of autism, and primarily hears English at home, your family may qualify.
The study includes two friendly, play-based visits to our lab at Michigan State University in East Lansing. During each visit, your child will engage in short eye-tracking tasks (just watching and listening), and developmental assessments designed to feel like play. You will also complete questionnaires and play with your child in a brief, relaxed session. Snacks are provided for children, and we offer free childcare for siblings who need to come along. Families are compensated for their time, reimbursed for gas, and even offered a hotel stay if you’re traveling from more than 30 miles away.
Additional Information
This study is being done to understand how different language styles, like simplified or full sentences, help or hinder language learning in young autistic children.
Your child may be eligible for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 1-4
- Diagnosed with autism
- English is the primary language spoken at home
- Have unimpaired vision and hearing
You’ll schedule two in-person visits to our MSU lab, each lasting 2–3 hours.
Your child will complete fun, play-based language and developmental assessments.
During short eye-tracking tasks, your child will look at pictures while listening to words, no responses needed.
You’ll fill out a few questionnaires about your child’s development.
You and your child will also participate in a 10-minute play session during each visit.
Snacks will be provided, and we offer childcare for siblings if needed.
Yes! Families receive $25 for each hour of participation, gas mileage reimbursement, and a hotel stay if you’re more than 30 miles away. Children get to choose a free book or toy, and you’ll receive a written report of your child’s assessment results.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.