Training Early Social Language in Autism

The mirror neuron system (MNS) broadly refers to a network of brain regions that responds
both when a person performs an action and when that person observes someone else performing
the same action. This system emerges in infancy and develops over time to support more
complex social abilities. It has been hypothesized that autism involves fundamental
impairments to the MNS, which can explain the deficits in joint attention, imitation,
communication and social cognition.

This study investigates the MNS in 100 toddlers and preschoolers recently diagnosed with
autism or with a suspected diagnosis of autism. First, children with (suspected) autism
complete a battery of behavioral measures and MNS activity will be assessed using
electrophysiology (EEG; event-related potentials) while the child participates in specific
tasks. Then, the children with (suspected) autism will be randomly assigned to one of two
behavioral intervention programs (i.e., targeted joint attention intervention or parent
education intervention) that will be carried out by interventionists and parents for 10-12
weeks. At the end of the intervention, these children will be re-evaluated on behavioral
tasks and EEG to investigate changes as a result of the intervention.

The investigators hypothesize that the joint attention intervention will lead to significant
changes on both the neural and behavioral measures of MNS functioning.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Children between the ages of 18 and 59 months with a confirmed or suspected DSM5
diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder

- The included parents or guardians are required to be the primary caregivers of these
children

- Families must speak English in the home at least 75% of the time.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Seizure disorder (may influence EEG data)

- Gestational age <32 weeks

- History of serious head trauma

- Genetic syndrome (e.g., fragile X syndrome)