Basic Research on Speech Mechanisms

Basic Research on Speech Mechanisms, with special reference to special need persons

Dr. Nandini Chatterjee Singh
Asst. Prof. Nat. Brain Research Centre, Haryana

Abstract:

Deficits in speech and language are among the defining symptoms of autism.

While a large number of reports are available on the language processing dysfunctions and pragmatics in autistics.

There are few quantitative measurements of the articulatory and phonological features of autistic speech. Using state of the art techniques of spectral analysis we study speech produced by 12 children with autism and compare them with age-matched controls.

Our results show patterns of deviations in autistic speech as compared to controls in three articulatory features (encoded at different time-scales) namely syllabic rhythm

(~100 milliseconds), formant transitions (25-40 milliseconds) and place of articulation (10- 20 milliseconds).

The deviation in features increases as we proceed from longer time scales (syllabic rhythm) to shorter time scales place of articulation).

Based on the results of this study we suggest that speech production patterns could provide early warning signs of autism spectrum disorder.

Dr. Nandini Chatteriee Singh

Asst. Prof. National Brain Research Centre. Haryana

She is doing pioneering basic research on Speech Mechanisms and Language and central auditory processing, Language and learning disabilities, and Structure and representation of sound