How Deaf and Hearing Parents Help Their Autistic Children Focus

Attention Regulation Strategies Used by Deaf and Hearing Parents of Autistic Children

['FUNDING_R15'] · MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD · NIH-11042413

This study looks at how Deaf and hearing parents get their autistic kids to pay attention and interact, hoping to find the best ways to help improve communication skills for these children.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R15']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OXFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11042413 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the different strategies used by Deaf and hearing parents to capture and maintain their autistic children's attention. By observing interactions between these caregivers and their children, the study aims to identify which methods are most effective in fostering joint attention, a crucial aspect of language development. The project will analyze the visual attention techniques employed by Deaf parents, who may have unique advantages in this area. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance understanding of how these strategies can support better communication outcomes for children with autism.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their Deaf or hearing parents.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication strategies for parents of autistic children, enhancing language development.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on Deaf parents' strategies is novel, previous research has shown that effective attention-regulating strategies can significantly impact language development in children with autism.

Where this research is happening

OXFORD, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Autistic Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.