How parent-child interactions affect emotion regulation in preschoolers with autism
Official title: Parent-Child Interaction and Emotion Regulation in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11055322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder express and manage their feelings, and how their parents can help them with this, so we can better understand their emotional needs during an important time in their development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,692 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH127420-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-aged children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, particularly those around four years old.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are not diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or those outside the preschool age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manage their emotions and how their interactions with parents influence this process. It focuses on understanding the differences in emotional communication between children with ASD and their peers, as well as how parents respond to their children's emotional needs. By using advanced techniques to measure physiological responses and analyzing parent-child interactions, the study aims to identify early signs of emotion regulation challenges. This research is particularly relevant during the preschool years, a critical time for emotional development and intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for helping children with autism better manage their emotions, enhancing their social interactions and overall functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding emotion regulation in children with autism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Northrup, Jessie B — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Northrup, Jessie B
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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.