Peculiarities of Perception of Sounds by Children with Speech Disorders and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

In this study, an attempt was made to find prognostic parameters that allow finding diagnostic differences between the two most common speech disorders (SD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of the conduction of an audio signal at the level of the cerebral trunk (results of ABR) and the loss in the frequencies of the spoken range of 500-1000-2000-4000 Hz (multi ASSR) of the children with ASD and children with SD. The study involved 495 children aged 2 to 11 years. The experimental group included children with ASD in the amount of 245 people, as well as children with speech disorders 250 people. All children were examined at the Prognoz clinic and, according to the conclusion of the audiologists, had no hearing impairment. The data obtained revealed similarities and differences in the functioning of the auditory pathways in children with ASD and SD. The question of whether this information can be used for differential diagnosis needs further study. It is important that the structures of the brainstem, which determine the quality of the conduction of bioelectrical impulses along the auditory pathways, are formed even before the birth of a child. Thus, already in the first weeks of life, it is possible to identify children at risk, who subsequently have a high probability of developing ASD or SD.