Exploring how caregivers help nonspeaking autistic children communicate better
Official title: Understanding how caregivers shape reciprocal communication with nonspeaking autistic children
Funded at University of Kansas Lawrence · NIH-11061749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different ways caregivers talk and interact with nonspeaking autistic children can help improve their communication skills, making it easier for them to connect and learn to express themselves better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Lawrence NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lawrence, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,421 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC021869-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are nonspeaking autistic children aged 0-11 years, particularly those who are minimally verbal.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are verbal or do not have autism may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different interaction strategies used by caregivers can improve communication between them and nonspeaking autistic children. By focusing on the moment-to-moment dynamics of these interactions, the study aims to identify specific behaviors that enhance reciprocal communication. The goal is to understand how these strategies can support language acquisition, which is crucial for the child's long-term communication skills and overall quality of life. The research will involve observing caregiver-child interactions to gather detailed insights into effective communication techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication strategies that enhance language development in nonspeaking autistic children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that caregiver interaction strategies can positively influence communication outcomes in children with autism, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Lawrence
Lawrence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boorom, Olivia — University of Kansas Lawrence
- Study coordinator: Boorom, Olivia
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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.