Multimodal speech perception in noise after multisensory perceptual training in autistic children and adolescents
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Autistic children and adolescents exhibit alterations in multisensory processing of simple audiovisual stimuli and complex speech stimuli. Multisensory perceptual training improves audiovisual simultaneity perception in typically developed adults, thereby facilitating speech comprehension in noise. We hypothesized that multisensory training would enhance audiovisual integration and speech comprehension in noise in autistic youth. A brief simultaneity judgment task (SJT) with feedback as the training paradigm was administered to a sample of autistic participants (aged 8–17). Simple audiovisual integration and speech comprehension were assessed before training (T0), immediately (T1), seven (T2) and 14 days (T3) after training. For simple audiovisual stimuli, changes in simultaneity judgements were observed at T1 and T2. At T1, these changes may reflect a shift in response criteria, whereas at T2, a narrower TBW and a steeper slope may indicate improved simultaneity perception. In a Word Recognition Task (WRT), no significant improvements were observed. This study suggests that multisensory training alters simultaneity judgement in a SJT in autistic youth, with the effects persisting seven days. Future studies should determine whether these effects reflect changes in response criteria or genuine improvements in simultaneity perception and determine how training paradigms must be adapted to enhance speech comprehension in autistic youth.
Source: Scientific Reports
Institution: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7221507135