NCT06466876 · Louisiana State University and A&M College
Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Autistic Children
What this study is about
Children on the autism spectrum sometimes have difficulty learning new words and using the newly taught information in different situations. In this study, the investigators are testing whether strategies that have been found to improve word learning in non-autistic children will also help autistic children.
View original scientific description
Children on the autism spectrum sometimes have difficulty learning new words and using the newly taught information in different situations. In this study, the investigators are testing whether strategies that have been found to improve word learning in non-autistic children will also help autistic children. Specifically, the investigators aim to test whether autistic children learn words more successfully if novel words are taught by repeating the words to the child (re-study) or if the novel words are taught first with labeling each word and then quizzing the child (repeated quizzing). The main questions it aims to answer are: * When teaching nouns (names of exotic animals), is learning stronger if autistic children re-study or engage in repeated quizzing of the newly taught words? * When teaching adjectives (visible features of objects, like a bumpy chair), is learning stronger if autistic children re-study or engage in repeated quizzing of the newly taught adjectives? * Does the word learning condition (re-study vs. repeated quizzing) impact whether autistic children are more successful in demonstrating their knowledge of the newly taught words in different contexts? * Are autistic features related to patterns of word learning? Participants will: * Learn new words with half of the words being taught in one way (re-study) and the other half of the words being taught in the other way (repeated quizzing). * Participate in 5-minute and 1-week tests of the newly taught words to measure child learning. * Complete other language, thinking, and autism clinical assessments.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will participate in this study. The study will be 4- to 10-years-old and will already have a community diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The diagnosis will be confirmed confirmed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2nd edition (ADOS-2; Lord et al., 2012).
- Because the children will be completing an experimental word learning study that requires the child to verbally produce the newly taught words, children must have verbal communication skills (i.e., be able to speak in at least simple sentences spontaneously), which will be determined in initial correspondence with the child's parent or guardian.
- Children's primary language spoken must be English.
- All children will pass a hearing screening.
- Additionally, all children will score above 75 on the Leiter-3 (Roid, Miller, \& Pomplun, 2013), a nonverbal cognitive assessment.
Exclusion criteria
- Because the word learning study involves the child needing to produce the taught words non-speaking autistic children and minimally speaking autistic children (i.e., is not able to produce at least simple sentences in spontaneous speech) will be excluded from the proposed studies.
- If the child has a history of a neurological disorder such as cerebral palsy or a known genetic disorder that causes developmental delays/disorders
- If the child has an un-corrected hearing loss.
Where
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations