How parent-child interactions affect emotion regulation in preschoolers with autism

Parent-Child Interaction and Emotion Regulation in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11055322

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11055322 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-aged children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, particularly those around four years old.

Not a fit: Children who are not diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or those outside the preschool age range may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Pittsburgh, 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.
Conditions autism spectral disorderautism spectrum disorderAutistic Disorderautistic spectrum disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.