Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or language delays show neurodevelopmental brainstem abnormalities, according to a new study. The researchers characterized auditory brainstem responses in 26 children with ASD and 26 with language delays. Absolute latencies and interpeak latencies of auditory waves were prolonged in the ASD group versus the language delay group, but both groups had prolonged latencies when compared with clinical controls. The findings suggest that an auditory processing deficit may underlie ASD and language delay disorders.