Autism risk in young children with Down syndrome
Autism in Young Children with Down Syndrome
Researchers will look for early signs and health factors linked to autism in young children with Down syndrome so those most at risk can get support sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127701 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child joins, researchers will follow a group of 225 young children with Down syndrome at about 18–21 months, 30–33 months, and 42–45 months. At each visit they will measure thinking, communication, motor skills, daily living abilities, and record autism-related behaviors. The team will also gather medical history about factors such as premature birth, low birth weight, infantile spasms, congenital heart defects, sleep problems, and gastrointestinal issues. They will combine the developmental and medical information to find patterns that predict which children show autism signs over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Young children with Down syndrome roughly between 18 and 45 months of age whose caregivers can attend three study visits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children without Down syndrome, children older than the study window, or families unable to travel to study visits would not be eligible and would not directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify children with Down syndrome who are at higher risk for autism earlier so they can receive tailored early support.
How similar studies have performed: Standard autism screening tools have worked in general-population toddlers, but applying them specifically to young children with Down syndrome is relatively new and less studied.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fidler, Deborah J — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Fidler, Deborah J
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 below.