Articles tagged with Communication Disorders
Cognitive neuroscientists are integrating genetics and AI to study language development and disorders. AI-based models can predict language development in children, while genetics research links rhythm disorders and dyslexia. The brain's wiring connecting language regions also reveals that language is a system, not a single 'thing'.
A University of Houston study challenges traditional views on dyslexia, suggesting it stems from an overall brain network vulnerability. The research identified two developmental origins: one related to brain architecture and another to synaptic signaling, which may be uniquely human.
A new AI-based learning tool, NeuroBridge, aims to bridge the communication gap between neurotypical and autistic individuals. The interactive LLM tool evaluates user responses to match autistic communication preferences, teaching users about cross-neurotype communication styles and their interdependent nature.
Researchers developed a wearable Revoice device that decodes speech signals and emotional cues to enable seamless real-time communication in people with post-stroke dysarthria. The device achieved a word error rate of 4.2% and sentence error rate of 2.9%, showing promising results for stroke rehabilitation.
A new study by Waseda University researchers explores the role of morphological processing in L2 French ambiguity, finding that it plays a significant role in causing speech errors. The study suggests that educators should integrate pronunciation and vocabulary exercises more holistically to help learners overcome hidden ambiguities.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that literacy screenings may not be effective due to inadequate teacher training and suboptimal testing conditions. The survey of over 250 teachers found that many lacked sufficient training, leading to difficulties in administering and interpreting the tests.
A new pilot project by Frankfurt University Medicine and Münster University Hospital has shown that deep brain stimulation can significantly reduce stuttering frequency and severity. The treatment, which involves implanting a thin wire into the left thalamus of the brain, was found to decrease stuttering by 46% in one patient.
Andrea Ford's research aims to support preschoolers with autism by adapting the Extensions of Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) model. She plans to engage educators and caregivers in mixed-methods research and build a community of practice to shape the model and provide professional development opportunities.
Scientists have successfully decoded inner speech using brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) with an accuracy rate of up to 74%. The BCI system can interpret neural activity related to thought processes, allowing individuals with severe paralysis or motor impairments to communicate more naturally and comfortably.
Recent research highlights the challenges of communication for autistic adults, including language and nonverbal barriers. Experts recommend a multifaceted approach to support autistic individuals, focusing on adaptations that accommodate their differences.
A large-scale study has identified 48 genes linked to stuttering, shedding light on the neurological pathways of risk. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis with autism, depression, and musicality, providing a foundation for future research.
Researchers at KAIST have developed an AI-powered app called AACessTalk that enables meaningful communication between children with autism and their parents. The app uses personalized vocabulary cards and customized prompts to foster mutual engagement in dialogue.
A Northwestern University study found virtual group singing can be an effective tool for promoting well-being and social connection during isolation. Participants reported high satisfaction with the sing-alongs, which helped evoke emotional resonance and promote intellectual engagement.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new treatment approach for primary progressive aphasia (PPA) that combines traditional speech therapy with noninvasive brain stimulation. The technique, called transcranial direct current stimulation, was found to be more effective in managing PPA compared to speech therapy alone.
A groundbreaking study reveals that autistic children exhibit social attention patterns similar to their typically developing peers during play, with a primary focus on toys rather than faces. This challenges the longstanding assumption that reduced eye contact is a definitive marker of autism.
A new study found that people with PTSD symptoms experience greater fear of their emotions, which is associated with less constructive communication and more unproductive communication in romantic relationships. This fear can lead to a vicious cycle where behavior triggered by PTSD symptoms strain relationships, maintaining PTSD symptoms.
A new digital 'translator' for brain studies enables researchers to map the brain in a standardized way, facilitating discoveries and treatments for various disorders. The open-source software allows for the comparison of brain imaging data with widely used brain atlases, promoting commonalities across findings.
Researchers found significant differences in brain connectivity between children with autism and typically developing children, particularly in the left hemisphere. The study identified specific white matter tracts linked to core ASD symptoms, providing new insights into how structural differences relate to behavior.
A recent study found that patients who left emergency departments before being medically advised had higher rates of readmission, mortality, and increased costs. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 53.6% increase in such cases, primarily due to concerns about infection, long wait times, and dissatisfaction with care.
A new study found that AI-generated empathetic responses were preferred over those from humans and expert crisis responders. The researchers suggest that AI can supplement human empathy, but should not replace it entirely due to potential biases and ethical concerns.
A new study reveals multilingualism enhances executive function skills, including focus, understanding perspectives, communication, and reduces repetitive behaviors in both autistic and non-autistic children. Parents of multilingual households report stronger overall executive function compared to mono-lingual households.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that individuals with high credulity are more susceptible to fake news and vaccine hesitancy. Mistrust was also linked to conspiracy thinking and difficulty distinguishing between real and fake news, particularly in those exposed to childhood adversity.
Researchers found that female mouse models of Rett syndrome have a mosaic-like distribution of cells expressing wild-type and mutant MeCP2 protein, leading to dysregulated genes. The study also discovered an unusual disease progression, with females having more dysregulated genes at the pre-symptomatic stage than later on.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.
A study published in iScience has uncovered significant findings related to the early sensorimotor features and cognitive abilities of toddlers who are later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research suggests that a higher IQ may confer resilience to atypical sensorimotor functioning, highlighting the need for more pr...
A new study reveals that people with autism are overrepresented in board gaming compared to the general population, and playing modern board games provides a social outlet in a structured space. The research also shows that board games take pressure off meeting and interacting with others, offering a form of escapism.
Research by Lancaster University found that people in higher social grades, including corporate world and education sectors, are adopting each other's speech patterns to be more inclusive. This 'resonance' has increased over the past 20 years, particularly among those with high social status.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have successfully integrated focused ultrasound stimulation into noninvasive BCIs, significantly boosting signal quality and enabling bidirectional brain-computer interfaces. The technology allows individuals to control a cursor or robotic arm using only their thoughts.
Researchers discovered that the youngest students in a class are overrepresented among those receiving an ADHD diagnosis or medication. This is due to teachers misattributing relative immaturity as symptoms of ADHD.
A consensus has been reached by an international team of rehabilitation researchers and clinicians on the standardized labeling of spatial neglect, a common disorder following neurological injury. The panel adopted 'spatial neglect' as the standard term for the disorder, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research.
A novel therapy leverages technology and robots to enhance joint attention and imitation skills in children with autism. The RoboCA3T program showed significant improvements in these areas, indicating a potential cost-effective treatment option.
Researchers identified a spectrum of effects on sodium channel function due to SCN2A variants, with hyperactive channels linked to early seizure onset and underactive channels associated with autism. The study provides insights into the relationship between genetic changes, disease severity, and age of seizure onset.
A new study published in Molecular Autism found that Japanese autistic adults with balanced social camouflage exhibit improved mental well-being, whereas those with excessive camouflage face mental health issues. The research highlights the importance of cultural considerations when supporting individuals with autism.
A recent study used AI trained on cell-to-cell communication networks to predict drug responsiveness in immunotherapy for cancer. The model demonstrated high accuracy in analyzing samples from 700 patients with four types of cancer, identifying key communication pathways related to responsiveness and resistance.
A NTU Singapore study found that ageing alters brain cells' communication, leading to weakening connections and poorer memory in middle-aged mice. The research suggests strengthening these connections through memory training may delay age-related working memory decline.
Research reveals that autistic children develop their own unique visual preferences for social elements, unlike typically developing children who synchronize their attention on social interactions. Early intervention targeting social attention may help guide autistic children onto developmental courses more akin to their peers.
The latest issues of APA journals focus on improving clinical outcomes, exploring disparities in school-based support, and addressing civil commitment hearings. These studies aim to inform new interventions and improve mental health care.
Researchers at Lancaster University find that the 'r' sound is becoming weaker in England, with most young speakers softening it to an elongation of the vowel. This decline is predicted to continue, potentially erasing traditional dialects and linguistic homogenization.
Researchers found that whole-word errors are influenced by egocentric position, while unilateral paralexias are not. A failure of selective attention also contributes to whole-word intrusion errors. The findings suggest different rehabilitative approaches are needed for each type of error.
Researchers found that using doctor- and patient-oriented materials improved conversations about erectile dysfunction (ED) among Asian men with diabetes. The study suggests that these materials can encourage treatment of ED, particularly in cultures where sex is viewed as taboo.
Research finds that 75% of boys with fragile X meet criteria for co-occurring autism, but only 31% are identified in community settings. Early diagnosis is crucial to access services improving outcomes and quality of life.
A new dictionary provides a comprehensive overview of Shakespeare's language, revealing words with reduced mental ability and plant hybrids. The Arden Encyclopedia of Shakespeare's Language offers insights into the linguistic thumbprints of plays and characters, as well as the networks of character interaction.
A new study finds that in-school occupational therapy can create positive learning environments for children with autism by supporting parent-teacher relationships and understanding their unique needs. The therapy helps teachers get to know the child's needs better and facilitate effective communication between parents and schools.
A recent study reveals that many children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not receiving adequate treatment. The findings highlight the need for improved communication and access to outpatient mental health care for children with ADHD.
A Dartmouth study found that COVID-19 can cause 'prosopagnosia,' or face blindness, and impairments in navigational abilities. Researchers worked with a patient who experienced difficulty recognizing faces and navigating, leading to dissociation between face recognition and cognitive map representation.
A study from Japan found that variations in psychiatric diagnoses across different cultures can affect the efficacy of antipsychotics in clinical trials. Researchers analyzed data from 28 double-blind randomized trials and found that psychotic features were associated with varying therapeutic responses to antipsychotic medications.
A self-guided app, 'Nna le wena,' provides structured activities to encourage caregiver-child communication and can be implemented into daily routines. The study found modest progress in children's communication skills, with over half of caregivers reporting significant improvements.
A Rutgers study analyzing brain stem cells of autism patients found irregularities in early brain development, supporting the concept that ASD arises from poor control of brain cell proliferation. The study discovered that some patients had NPCs producing too many brain cells while others had underproduced cells.
A team from UNIGE demonstrates that a reduction in gamma wave activation is correlated with the emergence of psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents at genetic risk. This study makes it possible to envisage an early diagnosis and identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating schizophrenia.
Researchers investigated whether COVID-19 led to a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, but found no significant difference in severity. Despite this, the pandemic can exacerbate anxiety and stress, potentially affecting individuals with tinnitus.
Researchers found correlations between brain morphology and sensory characteristics in adults with ASD, suggesting structural changes may cause sensory abnormalities. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options for ASD beyond behavioral indicators.
A recent study from Tel Aviv University found that mothers' smartphone use reduces toddler interaction by a factor of four. Reduced interaction can have far-reaching consequences on child development, including language and social skills. The study also found no significant difference between browsing smartphones and reading magazines.
Researchers discovered that frequency-following responses to speech sounds are highly conserved across species, including monkeys, guinea pigs and humans. This finding could lead to the development of specific markers for speech impairments and improve clinical diagnostics.
A new study by USC researchers uses GANs to generate synthetic neurological data that can be fed into machine-learning algorithms to improve BCI usability. This approach improved BCI training speed by up to 20 times and enabled rapid adaptation to new subjects.
Researchers at WVU aim to characterize autism patients' behaviors using behavior-tracking technology. They plan to use artificial intelligence to identify traits associated with ASD, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized interventions. The study also has the potential to improve early detection in young children.
A study found that young people with autism spectrum disorder adapted better than expected to lockdown conditions, improving their communication and relationships with families. Technological support and increased family time also played a role in their well-being.
Researchers at City College of New York led by biologist Hysell V. Oviedo published a breakthrough study on the inner workings of the brain's language processing in Nature Communications. The study sheds light on miswiring of brain circuits in neurodevelopmental communication disorders, with potential to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that BPA exposure in grandparents of mice led to altered vocalization patterns in their offspring, potentially affecting parental care. The study suggests multigenerational effects of BPA on communication deficits in humans with autism or neurobehavioral disorders.
The study found four broad themes affecting obstacles to treatment: patient eligibility, treatment capacity, knowledge of treatment options, and communication. Researchers recommend improving referral systems with a database of clear eligibility criteria and increased education for providers.
A recent study published in JAMA found that improvisational music therapy did not improve symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder. The study, which lasted five months, showed small improvements and no significant difference between the groups.