Autism May Be Detectable Through Baby Talk
A new study conducted by a professor at the University of Memphis suggests that Autism can be detected through speech patterns and signatures of children with the disorder. The study focuses on the analyzing of sounds produced rather than words in children.
The theory supports the idea that many Autistic children have an inability to communicate effectively, and rather than words, produce grunting, or random sounds. Analyzing these sounds at an earlier age, when it’s typically considered “baby talk”, could be the key to diagnosing Autism.
The research study was headed by Dr. D. Kimbrough Oller, professor and chair of excellence in audiology and language pathology. Dr. Oller hopes that LENA (Language Environment Analysis) will enhance the study of language development and Autism.
LENA itself is a pocket-sized processor and analysis software. Running the processor is an algorithm developed by Oller and his team that analyzes 12 aspects of language development. The LENA processor fits into the pocket of the child’s clothing and records a full day of his/her speech. It detects and differentiates between crying, attempts at talking, etc. It also can tell and filter out other voices and background noises.
Oller says that his LENA was 86% successful in detecting Autism in children. The system can detect the difference between speech patterns conducive to Autism, typically developing children, and children with a language delay.
LENA will hopefully give parents a much more cost efficient way to diagnose their child with Autism. In fact, Oller hopes to get LENA to the point where it is offered in family doctor’s offices. This way pediatricians can conduct the test, analyze the speech, and then make the decision whether or not to refer the family out to an Autism specialist.
Currently, the average age of diagnosis for Autism in children is between 5 and 6 years old. This is typically well after the average child begins speaking, communicating, and functioning at a more advanced level. Dr. Oller and his team say that LENA can bring that age down to 18 months. The sooner autism is detected, the sooner that appropriate treatment methods can be implemented, and the chance of recovery and improved symptoms heightens.
An online report of the aforementioned study can be found online in the July 19th edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Tags: autism, Autism treatment, autism treatment options, Dr. Oller, Language Development and Autism, LENA
July 26th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
please tell me the name of a product of Omega-3 fatty acids for my 6 year child and the dosage of the use. Thank you for information
July 27th, 2010 at 1:43 am
I use the product EYE-Q that contains both Omega 3 and 6. Dosade is 5mls 3 times a day for 3 months then 5 mls once a day thereafter.
I hope this helps
Shelley
July 27th, 2010 at 2:00 am
hi
can u plz tell for whatr u using the omega 3 for the 6 years old child?
thank u
July 27th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Omega-3 feeds the cells of the brain.
July 27th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Thank you very much, Shelly.
July 27th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Thank you Shelly, but does it help the atistic children? have you seen progress in your child, what kind of progress and for how long, please tell me. Thank you!
July 28th, 2010 at 2:28 am
hi doctor,
I am really please to hear from this article about LENA,the instrument helpful in detecting the speech problem of autistic child. my own daughter is autistic and 07 yrs of age.How can this particular instrument is helpful to her.how can i get this instrument in my country Pakistan and what should its cost. can i get the email address of that particular doctor mentioned in your article,so that i will be able to communicate and discuss the situation of my daughter.thanks.
July 30th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Hi Aamir, here is a link to contact him at the University of Memphis for the LENA : http://www.memphis.edu/releases/jul10/autism.htm
July 31st, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Hi dr,
I am a Speech Language Pathologist working in India (Tamilnadu)… I want to know more details about this LENA… where could i log in…
Thanks.. awaiting 4 reply…
August 1st, 2010 at 9:42 am
hi all,
thks for the info on omega 3, will try on my 7 yrs old autistic son. concerning the LENA, of which help can the instrument be for my non verbal child? am a cameroonian where autism is still not well known and orthophonist quite rare , so far , ‘ve not been able to find a knowledgeable orthophonist to help. is there any medication or biomedical treatment that can help speech or language development ? Regards
August 2nd, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Hi Maguy, obviously the LENA is not very helpful for your non-verbal child. Before concluding your child is autistic (check his behaviour patterns as well for autistic kid to make sure), you might first want to rule-out he does not have a hearing problem, physical issue with his tongue or oral cavity and his emotional state etc.
August 2nd, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Hi Kavitha, check the response I sent to Aamir previously for the link to the university. Good luck!
August 8th, 2010 at 11:48 am
wiith my best greetings