# Automated analysis of pragmatic language development in ASD

> **NIH NIH R21** · BOSTON COLLEGE · 2021 · $32,704

## Abstract

Contact PD/PI: Prud'hommeaux, Emily
PROJECT SUMMARY
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with life-long deficits in
communication and social engagement. Among these deficits is impaired pragmatic expression, or the
inappropriate use of language in a given context. Because of the pragmatic difficulties they experience,
individuals with ASD face challenges in establishing interpersonal relationships, maintaining satisfactory
employment, and achieving independence. Despite the impact that deficits in pragmatic expression have on
the outcomes of individuals with ASD, researchers do not agree on precisely what functions are impaired,
particularly in high-functioning adults. Analyzing spontaneous spoken language is the most effective way to
reveal these impairments, but the resources and expertise required for such analysis have thus far made this
approach impractical.
In this project, we propose using computational language analysis methods to convert speech into text
transcripts and to automatically identify specific areas of pragmatic deficit in those transcripts. We explore
these methods using spoken language data we will collect from high-functioning verbal adults with ASD and
with typical development.
In the course of this project, we will investigate: (1) the precise pragmatic functions that are affected in high-
functioning adults with ASD; (2) the extent to which these and other reported pragmatic deficits are observed in
individuals with ASD regardless of age; and (3) the accuracy of our novel computational methods for extracting
these metrics from spontaneous spoken language samples. While achieving these aims, we will explore the
utility of automated analysis of spoken language, setting the stage for a future proposal to develop an
automated software tool for analyzing spoken language to identify specific areas of deficit in pragmatic
expression.
A tool for automatically identifying strengths and weaknesses in pragmatic expression could offer utility not
only to researchers investigating language functioning in ASD but also to clinicians tasked with diagnosis and
health professionals working to develop targeted therapies and interventions. Such interventions could lead to
more favorable social outcomes for individuals of all ages with ASD and higher rates of employment among
adults with ASD, potentially yielding reductions in costs associated with and resources allocated for serving the
needs of this special population.
Project Summary/Abstract Page 6

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10438314
- **Project number:** 3R21DC017000-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Emily Prud'hommeaux
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $32,704
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-07-15 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10438314

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10438314, Automated analysis of pragmatic language development in ASD (3R21DC017000-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10438314. Licensed CC0.

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