Helping middle-schoolers with autism improve their academic skills
Official title: Achieving Independence and Mastery in Schools – An RCT for Middle-Schoolers with Autism
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10973244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called AIMS to help middle-school students with Autism Spectrum Disorders improve important skills like organization and planning, making it easier for them to succeed in school during this big transition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $690,110 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD113534-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973244 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle-school students aged 0-11 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders who do not have intellectual disabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the middle school age range or those with intellectual disabilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing an intervention called Achieving Independence & Mastery in School (AIMS) specifically designed for middle-school students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The program aims to enhance critical skills such as organization, planning, and memory, which are essential for academic success, especially during the challenging transition to middle school. Through a randomized clinical trial, the effectiveness of AIMS will be compared to an active control group to determine its impact on academic performance. The study will involve collaboration with educators and caregivers to ensure the intervention meets the unique needs of these students.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve academic outcomes for middle-school students with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests that similar interventions have shown promise in improving organizational and academic skills in youth with ASD, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tamm, Leanne — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Tamm, Leanne
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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.