Earlier autism detection during 18- and 24-month pediatric check-ups
Strategies to Facilitate Early Detection of Autism in Primary Care
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DREXEL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11180116
This project tests ways to make autism screening at 18- and 24-month pediatric visits find signs earlier so toddlers can get help sooner.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DREXEL UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180116 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a parent's view, researchers are looking at medical records for at least 27,000 toddlers and information from at least 250 pediatric providers to see what helps screenings happen correctly at both the 18- and 24-month visits. They use a pseudo-trial design and examine factors like a child's background, pediatricians' beliefs and experience, and clinic features to find what predicts high-fidelity screening and earlier diagnosis. The team also looks at whether children who screen positive are referred promptly for evaluation and early intervention. The goal is to identify practical changes clinics can make so more children are identified and start services sooner.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Toddlers around 18 and 24 months old who receive routine care at participating pediatric clinics and whose families consent to use of their health information.
Not a fit: Children who are older than the screening ages, already diagnosed, or who do not attend participating clinics may not benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more toddlers with autism being identified earlier and starting early intervention sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows screening at 18 and 24 months can find autism earlier and that early intervention improves outcomes, but real-world clinic implementation has been inconsistent and needs better strategies.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- DREXEL UNIVERSITY — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROBINS, DIANA L — DREXEL UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ROBINS, DIANA L
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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder