The Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) System in Toddlers With Early Indicators of Autism: Test-Retest Reliability and Convergent Validity With Clinical Language Assessments

Abstract

Clinical language assessments often influence the types of services that autistic children are eligible to receive. However, these assessments often take place outside of the child's natural language environment. In this study, we assess the potential of using naturalistic language processing technology, the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) system, in clinical research. Within a sample of caregivers and autistic toddlers aged 16-33 months (N = 100), the current study examined associations between all LENA-generated variables and two clinical assessments of language: the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition: Communication Domain and the MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories: Vocabulary Checklist. We also evaluated LENA test-retest reliability in a subsample of participants (n = 81). Some LENA-generated variables-specifically, the Conversational Turn Count, Vocal Productivity, and Automated Vocalization Assessment-exhibited small-to-moderate significant positive correlations with clinical language assessment variables. Additionally, all LENA-generated variables demonstrated moderate-to-good test-retest reliability within a 2-week period. To our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the psychometric properties of all LENA-generated variables in a single large sample. Findings show promising evidence of LENA's utility as a source of naturalistic language data for research with autistic toddlers. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05114538 ("Improving the Part C Early Intervention Service Delivery System for Children with ASD").

Keywords: autism; data collection methods; language acquisition; language development; social communication; test–retest reliability.