# The neural underpinnings of speech and nonspeech auditory processing in autism: Implications for language

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS · 2023 · $47,694

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social
functioning and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests, including atypical sensory
response patterns. In addition to these core features, language abilities are one of the most clinically important
and heterogeneous features of autism. Language impairment is one of the earliest noted symptoms,
associated with functional outcomes, and less responsive to treatment than other behavioral domains.
Critically, it remains unclear what contributes to these variable language trajectories; competing theoretical
frameworks propose either low-level perceptual or higher-order social influences. Though evidence suggests
atypical auditory processing at the neural level as a potential mechanism disrupting language in autism, no
prior work to date has systematically examined these brain-behavior relationships. The current project will test
theoretically driven hypotheses using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to clarify the neural
features of speech and nonspeech auditory discrimination in autism and probe for relationships with language;
results have the potential to inform language interventions in autism. Fifty adults (25 autistic, 25 neurotypical;
NT) will complete a repetition suppression fMRI design to achieve three Specific Aims: (1) Contrast behavioral
performance and neural processing of nonspeech tone discrimination in autism vs NT; (2) Contrast behavioral
performance and neural processing of speech discrimination in autism vs NT; and (3) Examine the predictive
role of neural features and the mediating role of behavioral discrimination abilities for language skills. The
proposed research addresses one of NIDCD’s top research priorities of characterizing the neural circuits
involved in sensory processing that contribute to communication deficits; the study has the long-term potential
to improve language outcomes in autism. Training Plan: The individually tailored training plan dovetails with
research activities and includes methodological training in neuroimaging and statistics; conceptual education in
language, autism, cognitive neuroscience, and the responsible conduct of research; and professional
development in scientific and community settings. Proposed activities include coursework, interdisciplinary
mentorship, methodological workshops, professional seminars, community outreach activities, conference
presentations, and manuscript development. Environment: The applicant’s mentorship team has a proven
record of NIH funding, including collaborations between them. The University of Connecticut is a Carnegie
Research I public institution and the Department of Psychological Sciences is ranked in the top 10 for U.S.
grant funding. UConn boasts a large community of interdisciplinary researchers within the language sciences
and houses a research-dedicated neuroimaging center that prioritizes suppo...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10827051
- **Project number:** 1F31DC021637-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS
- **Principal Investigator:** Hannah Thomas
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $47,694
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-01-07 → 2026-01-06

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10827051

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10827051, The neural underpinnings of speech and nonspeech auditory processing in autism: Implications for language (1F31DC021637-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10827051. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*