Our methods
Our methods
Studying language comprehension in
autistic minimal, unreliable and non-speakers
Around 30% of autistic people have no or minimal spoken language. Despite a dramatic rise in global funding for autism research over the past few decades, autistic non-speakers have remained chronically under-researched. In particular, there has been little empirical work studying language comprehension (i.e., understanding of language) in these individuals.
The aim of our research programme is to address this gap by developing novel, gentle, and accessible brain imaging methods for studying language comprehension in autistic minimal, unreliable and non-speakers.
Decoding Language in Non-Speakers
During language comprehension, we decipher a rich array of information, from speech sounds and individual words, through to meanings and grammar. Thanks to advanced machine-learning techniques, it is now possible to characterize in great detail the dynamic neural processing of these different aspects of natural language. Applying these techniques to E/MEG recordings, we investigate whether they can characterise strengths and challenges in receptive language processing at an individual participant level. By shedding light on how each person processes different aspects of natural language, this approach provides a gentle method for studying language comprehension in autistic minimal, unreliable and non-speakers.
Current study: Decoding "brain fingerprints" of non-speaker speech processing. Find out more and participate in this study here!
Previous Study: Brain signatures of language comprehension Read more here
Key publications: Petit et al. 2020a & 2020b, Petit et al. 2023
Letterboard Research
Many autistic non-speakers communicate via spelling. By pointing at letters on a board, they express their thoughts usually with the help of a communication partner, who holds the letterboard for them and assists with maintaining their attention as well as regulating their body.
We are currently developing behavioural paradigms to examine receptive and expressive language of autistic nonspeakers who use letterboards to communicate. These are designed to be respectful, inclusive, and methodologically rigorous, and include simple tasks like naming images or sounds, or answering questions, using the letterboard.
Get in touch!
We would love to hear from autistic non- and minimal-speakers, their families, practitioners and other stakeholders.
Please complete the form below if you would like to join our mailing list, find out more about our research, participate in our research, ask a question, or offer suggestions for future research studies.
If you recently heard us present about our work and have comments or suggestions, please put them in the comment box below. Thank you!