Cortical Mechanisms of Speech in Noise Perception in Autism and Fragile X Syndrome
The goal of this study is to identify which brain regions are active during speech-in-noise perception, as well as how those regions interact. The investigators are studying brain activation during speech-in-noise in autism and controls as well as individuals with Fragile X Syndrome. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: 1) How does the brain's response to background noise affect a person's ability to understand speech? 2) Can visual cues improve hearing in background noise? Participants will complete the following: * hearing tests * cognitive and behavioral measures * questionnaires about their symptoms * both passive and active hearing tasks while brain activity is recorded with a neuroimaging cap Results will be compared between individuals with autism with and without Fragile X Syndrome as well as individuals without autism.
• normal audiograms (PTA ≤ 20 dB HL)
• corrected 20/20 vision (Snellen chart)
• no history of premature birth (prior to 36 weeks gestation)
• no medications known to affect EEG signal
• English as the first language
⁃ Inclusion for the Autism group requires the following:
⁃ 1\) diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder either based on previous ADOS administration and developmental history, or confirmed via ADOS and developmental history
⁃ Inclusion for the Autism + FXS group requires the following:
• Documented PCR/Southern Blot genetic testing confirming full mutation FXS
• Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, per Autism group.
⁃ Inclusion for the Typically Developing group requires the following:
• no siblings or parents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Fragile X Syndrome
• no current neurological or psychiatric diagnoses
• IQ over 75