Detecting Abnormal Word Utterances in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Abnormal prosody is often evident in the voice intonations of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. We compared a machine-learning-based voice analysis with human hearing judgments made by 10 speech therapists for classifying children with autism spectrum disorders ( n = 30) and typical development ( n = 51). Using stimuli limited to single-word utterances, machine-learning-based voice analysis was superior to speech therapist judgments. There was a significantly higher true-positive than false-negative rate for machine-learning-based voice analysis but not for speech therapists. Results are discussed in terms of some artificiality of clinician judgments based on single-word utterances, and the objectivity machine-learning-based voice analysis adds to judging abnormal prosody.

Speech Therapy: an Alternative Approach for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment in Early Childhood

“…Speech therapy is used to treat children with impaired communication [8]. As for children who experience communication disorders are often detected by being late in speaking [17]. This is in line with Song's research, et al that through the use of speech therapy can also help children who experience speech delay, communication disorder by following several therapy sessions [27].…”

“…Furthermore, in the field of education, especially education of early childhood requires speech therapy. As Nakai's research that in dealing with early childhood can be used speech therapy to overcome children who have one or several symptoms of ADHD [17]. This is supported by the results of Brunner's research, et al that the use of speech therapy is effective in dealing with the disruption of speech and communication experienced by children in an early age range [33].…”

Speech Therapy: an Alternative Approach for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment in Early Childhood

“…ADHD sufferers can also be distracted by their own thoughts. They may make unrelated comments or talk about things that do not fit the context [17]. The findings from the study also describe that ADHD phenomena are related to genetic factors, family and environmental education and eating habits [18].…”

“…ADHD that occurs in children can be a nuisance with speech, language or both, these issues are a concern and speech problems are often simultaneous. Attention problems and language problems have the same symptoms [17]. Children with ADHD experience many problems related to language and communication.…”

“…Children with ADHD experience many problems related to language and communication. Examples are: [17]: (1) disturbing others while speaking, (2) having difficulty in composing words, (3) speaking too loudly, and (4) not speaking coherently. ADHD sufferers can also be distracted by their own thoughts.…”