Examining blood flow responses in children with and without autism using brain imaging.
Official title: Evaluating cerebrovascular reactivity in autistic and non-autistic children using resting-state functional MRI
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10996712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how blood flow in the brains of autistic and non-autistic children works differently, using a safe and painless imaging method, to help us learn more about how their brains connect and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,972 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HD116526-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include children aged 2 to 12 years, both autistic and non-autistic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 2 to 12 years or those with conditions unrelated to autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how blood flow in the brain responds in autistic and non-autistic children by using a non-invasive brain imaging technique called resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI). The study aims to understand the relationship between blood vessel function and brain connectivity, which may differ in children with autism. By measuring changes in blood flow and brain activity, researchers hope to uncover important insights into the neural mechanisms underlying autism. This could lead to a better understanding of how brain function varies in different populations, particularly in early development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of autism and potentially lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using functional MRI to study brain connectivity in autism, but this specific approach to cerebrovascular reactivity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Quimby — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Lee, Quimby
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.