Finding autism earlier in toddlers using routine health records
Leveraging routinely collected health data to improve early identification of autism and co-occurring conditions
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11178405
This project uses routine medical and insurance records to help spot signs of autism around 18 months in young children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11178405 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a parent, I would have my child's routine medical and insurance records checked for patterns that might flag autism by about 18 months. The team will build a prediction model using longitudinal Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield claims from children across North Carolina and test it to make sure it works for diverse groups. If the model performs well, it will be turned into a simple tool doctors can use in primary care that gives clear next steps and referral suggestions. Ideally the tool would run in the background of the electronic health record so families wouldn't need extra visits just for screening.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are toddlers around 18 months whose medical and insurance records are captured by participating clinics or insurers, especially within North Carolina Medicaid or Blue Cross Blue Shield networks.
Not a fit: Children without electronic records in the participating systems, older children past the early screening window, or families outside the participating regions may not benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help identify children with autism earlier so families can get evaluations, services, and supports sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using medical records and algorithms have shown promise but remain relatively new and require validation in real-world, diverse pediatric settings.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GOLDSTEIN, BENJAMIN ALAN — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GOLDSTEIN, BENJAMIN ALAN
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.