Autism and Self-regulation: Remote Testing of Heart-Related Signals in Kids
Official title: Autism & Self-regulation: Tele-Assessment of Autonomic Psychophysiological correlates (ASAP)
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11540693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if remote testing can safely measure how children with autism and disruptive behavior manage emotions and self-control by tracking heart signals and other markers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2026 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $226,500 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM148302-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11540693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 3–7 with autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring disruptive behavior problems, and their parents.
✕Less likely to help
Children without ASD or without disruptive behavior problems may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project tests whether we can feasibly collect behavioral, cognitive, and physiological data from children with autism and disruptive behavior problems without in-person visits. Parents and children will complete online assessments and participate in tasks that measure self-regulation while heart rate variability and related physiologic signals are recorded. The study will enroll 50 parent-child pairs aged 3 to 7 and explores links between autonomic markers and ASD symptoms and co-occurring conditions like ADHD. If successful, this approach could pave the way for remote monitoring and tailored interventions for young children with ASD and related challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families could benefit from easier access to remote assessment tools that inform personalized strategies for improving self-regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Past work suggests autonomic markers can relate to self-regulation, supporting feasibility for remote assessment, though this exact remote protocol is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ros-Demarize, Rosmary — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Ros-Demarize, Rosmary
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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.