Autism study: kids may pick up words just by listening in
NCT ID NCT05192109
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can learn new words by overhearing conversations, compared to being directly taught. Researchers tested 342 children aged 18 to 71 months, both with and without ASD, using video sessions. They measured learning by tracking where children looked when hearing new words. The goal is to understand how children with autism learn language in natural settings.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could help develop better teaching strategies for children with autism, improving how they learn language in everyday settings.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed observational study, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to all children with autism, and the findings are about understanding learning processes, not providing a direct benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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342 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2020
- Finished
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Dec 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 71 months
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: children with or without a diagnosis of ASD between 18 to 71 months of age Exclusion Criteria: native language is not English born premature (\< 36 weeks) has uncorrected hearing or vision impairments has developmental disorders or medical conditions other than ASD that affect language or cognition (excepting psychiatric conditions often comorbid with ASD such as ADHD) has a history of photosensitive epileptic seizures
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Emerson College
Boston, Massachusetts, 02116, United States
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New York University
New York, New York, 10012, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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