Automated vocal analysis of naturalistic recordings from children with autism, language delay, and typical development
D K Oller, P Niyogi, S Gray, J A Richards, J Gilkerson, D Xu, U Yapanel, S F Warren, D K Oller, P Niyogi, S Gray, J A Richards, J Gilkerson, D Xu, U Yapanel, S F Warren
Abstract
For generations the study of vocal development and its role in language has been conducted laboriously, with human transcribers and analysts coding and taking measurements from small recorded samples. Our research illustrates a method to obtain measures of early speech development through automated analysis of massive quantities of day-long audio recordings collected naturalistically in children's homes. A primary goal is to provide insights into the development of infant control over infrastructural characteristics of speech through large-scale statistical analysis of strategically selected acoustic parameters. In pursuit of this goal we have discovered that the first automated approach we implemented is not only able to track children's development on acoustic parameters known to play key roles in speech, but also is able to differentiate vocalizations from typically developing children and children with autism or language delay. The method is totally automated, with no human intervention, allowing efficient sampling and analysis at unprecedented scales. The work shows the potential to fundamentally enhance research in vocal development and to add a fully objective measure to the battery used to detect speech-related disorders in early childhood. Thus, automated analysis should soon be able to contribute to screening and diagnosis procedures for early disorders, and more generally, the findings suggest fundamental methods for the study of language in natural environments.
Conflict of interest statement
Conflict of interest statement: The recordings and hardware/software development were funded by Terrance and Judi Paul, owners of the previous for-profit company Infoture. Dissolution of the company was announced February 10, 2009, and it was reconstituted as the not-for-profit LENA Foundation. All assets of Infoture were given to the LENA Foundation. Before dissolution of the company, D.K.O., P.N., and S.F.W. had received consultation fees for their roles on the Scientific Advisory Board of Infoture. J.A.R., J.G., and D.X. are current employees of the LENA Foundation. S.G. and U.Y. are affiliates and previous employees of Infoture/LENA Foundation. None of the authors has or has had any ownership in Infoture or the LENA Foundation.
Figures
Source: PubMed