New research reveals baby talk can help identify children with high risk of autism

Hyderabad: New research on autism has revealed that the response of toddlers to ‘motherese’ or baby talk can assist in identifying children with a high risk of autism at an early stage and also help in the management of autistic kids

Motherese is a simplified, melodic sing-song phrase or speech that parents use to communicate with newborns and young toddlers. For example, calling a horse and dog horsie and doggie respectively, a cat is referred to as meow-meow, etc.

Early detection through reduced response to ‘motherese’

Recent studies published on February 8, 2023, by the University of California, San Diego, indicated that the early sign of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children is reduced response to motherese speech and challenges faced in sustained attention to social information in general. This study states that toddlers’ level of attention to ‘motherese’ speech can be used as a biomarker for ASD.

“We have taken the cue from the study and are encouraging new mothers to use motherese as a response-evoking technique and found good success. If a child doesn’t respond to motherese by one to two years of age, then it’s time to seek help from a professional,” says Dr. Garima Vegivada, clinical director of the Child Development Unit, Hear ‘N’ Say clinic.

The other technique to identify the risk of autism in children is regular developmental screening during visits to pediatricians for general check-ups or vaccinations. Parents should request pediatricians to screen children for any autistic features or red flags and refer them for appropriate evaluations.

Study based on brain-wave data

Another study emphasized on collecting brain-wave data during hearing tests routinely given to newborns. Such data can help clinicians spot neuro-developmental disorders such as autism in early infancy. Researchers found that newborns who later received an ASD diagnosis had pronounced delays in their brainstem’s responses to sounds. These newborns may have difficulty integrating sound with other sensory streams like vision, movement, and pain because of limited access to sound frequency and may have difficulty communicating socially and learning languages. The research, led by Rutgers psychology professor Elizabeth Torres was published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS Nexus).

Need for universal hearing screening

With the latest studies indicating the usefulness of newborn hearing screening for the early detection of ASD, it is imperative to have a nationwide universal newborn hearing screening. BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) test as part of the hearing assessment on infants and children is important. "Any delay in response found through this test helps parents to be aware of a possible diagnosis of autism in the future," says Dr. V Sai Krishna, a senior audiologist from Hear ‘N’ Say Clinic.

Early diagnosis is important

Early diagnosis of autism allows for earlier access to interventions, which can help improve outcomes for children with ASD and early intervention can lead to improvements in communication, social skills, and cognitive abilities.

Early diagnosis also allows families to access support and resources that can help them better understand and support their child and plan for the child’s educational needs. Families can learn about strategies and therapies that can help improve their child’s development and behavior.

Tips to manage autistic children:

Neuropsychiatrist at KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad, Dr. Charan Teja Koganti provides guidelines for parents to manage autistic children:

Stick to a routine as these children can have difficulty adjusting to new routines unless you prepare them in advance for a transition.

Find different ways to communicate: As these children have difficulty with verbal communication, observe and find non-verbal cues to communicate and understand them like gestures, sounds, facial expressions, etc.

Understand your child’s sensory difficulties as the kids are hypersensitive to sound, touch, light, taste, and smell. Find out which of these triggers a disruptive behavior and which elicits a positive behavior. This helps in reducing behavioral issues.

Focus on their strengths: Autistic kids are not intellectually disabled. Know their interests, focus on strengths than weaknesses, and help them thrive.

Always reinforce positive behavior: This helps them to continue appropriate behavior, encourage social interactions, and reduce temper tantrums.

Keep instructions simple: Break down instructions step-wise in short sentences in simple, clear language.

Encourage them to make eye contact: Always call them by their name to get their attention.

Repeat after your child: Copy your child’s actions like facial expressions, body language, gestures, and language. Once you’ve got your child’s attention, encourage your child to copy your actions.

Seek help from a psychiatrist to get a formal assessment and to tailor specific treatment, which can be a combination of medications or therapy, or both for the recovery of your child.