The Independent recently reported on the possibility of identifying autism in toddlers through their speech patterns (http://tinyurl.com/autismspeech).The newspaper reports that scientists are claiming that children with autism have a “unique vocal signature”. This signature may allow early diagnosis of children before they begin to show the classical signs of autism.
Researchers are even claiming that toddlers as young as 18 months could be diagnosed. Rather than analysing words, researchers focused on syllables and chunks of speech – they were interested in the sound patterns rather than the content of what was being said. Children’s voices were recorded all day at home, and no human intervention was necessary – which could be a very useful technique if it were to become a common method of diagnosis. The recordings were then analysed by computer software to search for particular features found in typically developing speech. The software was able to distinguish between the speech of typically developing children, those with speech/language delay, and those with autism.
It is important to note that this research – although encouraging – is in its early stages and requires further study and development. NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk/news/2010/July07/Pages/childhood-voice-test-autism.aspx) explains that its accuracy will need to be refined, and that there will need to be much more evidence before it can be used confidently by healthcare professionals. It is unlikely that it would be used as a standalone assessment, and is more likely to be used as part of current methods of diagnosis. However it is a very interesting piece of research that could potentially support early diagnosis of autism in children in the future.
Sarah Bennington – July 2010
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. ITS is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Therapists.
