The neural underpinnings of speech and nonspeech auditory processing in autism: Implications for language

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PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social functioning and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests, including atypical sensory response patterns. In addition to these core features, language abilities are one of the most clinically important and heterogeneous features of autism. Language impairment is one of the earliest noted symptoms, associated with functional outcomes, and less responsive to treatment than other behavioral domains. Critically, it remains unclear what contributes to these variable language trajectories; competing theoretical frameworks propose either low-level perceptual or higher-order social influences. Though evidence suggests atypical auditory processing at the neural level as a potential mechanism disrupting language in autism, no prior work to date has systematically examined these brain-behavior relationships. The current project will test theoretically driven hypotheses using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to clarify the neural features of speech and nonspeech auditory discrimination in autism and probe for relationships with language; results have the potential to inform language interventions in autism. Fifty adults (25 autistic, 25 neurotypical; NT) will complete a repetition suppression fMRI design to achieve three Specific Aims: (1) Contrast behavioral performance and neural processing of nonspeech tone discrimination in autism vs NT; (2) Contrast behavioral performance and neural processing of speech discrimination in autism vs NT; and (3) Examine the predictive role of neural features and the mediating role of behavioral discrimination abilities for language skills. The proposed research addresses one of NIDCD’s top research priorities of characterizing the neural circuits involved in sensory processing that contribute to communication deficits; the study has the long-term potential to improve language outcomes in autism. Training Plan: The individually tailored training plan dovetails with research activities and includes methodological training in neuroimaging and statistics; conceptual education in language, autism, cognitive neuroscience, and the responsible conduct of research; and professional development in scientific and community settings. Proposed activities include coursework, interdisciplinary mentorship, methodological workshops, professional seminars, community outreach activities, conference presentations, and manuscript development. Environment: The applicant’s mentorship team has a proven record of NIH funding, including collaborations between them. The University of Connecticut is a Carnegie Research I public institution and the Department of Psychological Sciences is ranked in the top 10 for U.S. grant funding. UConn boasts a large community of interdisciplinary researchers within the language sciences and houses a research-dedicated neuroimaging center that prioritizes supporting and training graduate-level researchers. The applicant is ideally situated to accomplish the current fellowship proposal.