Exploring how caregiver stress affects language development in infants
Official title: Evaluating Cascading Effects of Caregiver Stress on Later Language Outcomes of Infants
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11071754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress in caregivers affects the language development of infants who are at higher risk for autism, especially those who have older siblings with autism, to find ways to better support both the caregivers and their little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,295 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022173-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071754 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants under three years old who have older siblings diagnosed with autism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a familial history of autism or are over three years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between caregiver stress and language outcomes in infants, particularly those at higher risk for autism. By focusing on infants who are younger siblings of autistic children, the study aims to identify factors that influence language development during critical early years. The methodology includes assessing caregiver stress levels and their impact on the linguistic input provided to infants, which is essential for language acquisition. The findings could help in developing interventions to support both caregivers and children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing language development in infants at risk for autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of caregiver factors on language development in similar populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Markfeld, Jennifer E — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Markfeld, Jennifer E
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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.