ANALYSIS OF VOICE IN CHILDREN AMONG ASD & ADHD -A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY

Speech Language Pathology

The study aims at analyzing and comparing voice parameters like fundamental frequency, jitter %, shimmer % and Harmonic to Noise Ratio (HNR) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Two male children with ASD and ADHD of ages 7 and 4.5 years respectively were selected. Dr. Speech software was used to record and analyse the voice by the experienced Speech & Language Therapist in Speech and Hearing unit at Composite Regional Centre for PwDs, Lucknow, UP, India. Recording was done by using a professional microphone placed at a 90° angle from the mouth and keeping a 5cm distance for the utterance of vowel /a/. Recorded sample was analyzed and it was observed that, the fundamental frequency was higher in ASD subject than ADHD subject. The jitter and shimmer % and HNR value was higher in ADHD subject than ASD subject. Voice quality of ASD subject was moderately affected and of ADHD subject was severely affected. The result of the study may be used for modification of voice during therapy for children with ASD and ADHD. And it can be reference for the therapist, teachers and other allied professionals.

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