AIMS: Helping middle-schoolers with autism stay organized and do better in school
Official title: Achieving Independence and Mastery in Schools – An RCT for Middle-Schoolers with Autism
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11399819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a support program called AIMS to help middle-school children with autism manage homework, materials, and planning so they can achieve better grades and feel more confident in class.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $670,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113534-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children with autism aged roughly 11 or younger transitioning toward middle school who struggle with organization, planning, and school-related tasks.
✕Less likely to help
Some students may not experience noticeable improvements in organization or academics despite participation.
What this research studies
Children with autism often struggle with organization and planning, which can lead to lower academic performance as they move into middle school. The AIMS program was developed with input from families and educators to fit the learning style of students with autism and targets skills like organizing materials, planning assignments, and managing time. In this randomized trial, participants will be assigned to the AIMS program or an active comparison to determine which approach best supports everyday school tasks. The study aims to show whether stronger organization and time-management translate into better classroom functioning and grades for middle-schoolers with autism without intellectual disability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, students could experience clearer strategies for staying on top of schoolwork and improved academic performance.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggested AIMS can improve organization and that these gains relate to better academic functioning, but this is a larger, powered trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tamm, Leanne — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Tamm, Leanne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.