THE ROLE OF VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION IN THE CORRECTION OF SPEECH DISORDERS IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and varying degrees of language impairment. According to recent epidemiological studies, the prevalence of ASD has increased worldwide, making the development of effective therapeutic interventions a major public health priority. Speech and language disorders represent one of the most disabling manifestations of ASD, significantly affecting academic performance, social integration, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. While conventional speech and language therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, many individuals with ASD demonstrate limited progress, prompting the search for innovative therapeutic approaches. Among emerging neuromodulation techniques, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has gained increasing attention as a potential method for enhancing neuroplasticity and facilitating speech rehabilitation.