SALC Pre-conference Workshop for Junior Scholars

June 5, 9:30-12:30, Akrinn U201

We are organizing a workshop aimed at junior scholars on the topics of Computational Modelling of Language and of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, featuring talks by James Magnuson and Inge-Marie Eigsti (University of Connecticut). In addition to engaging in discussions on these topics, junior scholars will get an opportunity to present a specific outcome or problem from their on-going research and receive feedback from the invited experts and the audience.

Computational modeling in language and cognition: The utility of minimalist models
James S. Magnuson (University of Connecticut; Basque Center On Cognition, Brain and Language)

In this era of ChatGPT and other large language models, what is the utility of conventional ‘micro’ language models in the connectionist vein? I will discuss two examples: using simple recurrent networks to model human statistical learning, and using fully recurrent networks to model human speech processing, with real speech as model input. Micro or minimalist models provide a very different perspective than large language models, and, I will argue, crucial leverage for advancing theoretical understanding.

Long-term outcomes and compensation in young adults with a history of autism: Behavioral and neural features
Inge-Marie Eigsti (Co-director, Cognitive Neuroscience of Communication Program, Director of Research, Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut)

Autism has historically been seen as a lifelong condition. Our team has been following a unique group of individuals who were diagnosed with autism prior to age 5 years, using gold-standard measures, and who as adolescents and adults no longer display any symptoms of autism. I will describe long-term imaging and behavioral outcomes in these individuals, compared to individuals who have current autism or neurotypical developmental histories, focusing on psycholinguistic processes.

Contact: Mila Vulchanova (mila.vulchanova@ntnu.no)