How people with autism process real-life videos
Using complex video stimuli to elucidate atypical brain functioning in ASD
['FUNDING_R01'] · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11238955
People with autism will have brain scans while watching complex, natural videos so researchers can look for consistent brain activity patterns linked to ASD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238955 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would watch rich, narrative videos while undergoing high-quality fMRI brain scans so researchers can see how your brain responds to real-world social content. The project collects repeated scans over time to get stable measurements for each person and includes matched control participants for comparison. Data are being gathered at two locations (Indiana University and Caltech) to improve generalizability across sites. Researchers will use machine learning to separate sources of variability and identify brain regions that show reliable differences related to autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who can safely undergo MRI and lie still to watch videos (often children and adults) are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot tolerate MRI (for example because of metal implants, severe claustrophobia, or inability to stay still) or those without an autism diagnosis are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to reliable brain-based markers that help improve diagnosis or tailor treatments for people with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier pilot studies using naturalistic videos and machine learning have shown promise, but consistent, reproducible brain markers for autism have not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES
- TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY — BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KENNEDY, DANIEL PATRICK — TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KENNEDY, DANIEL PATRICK
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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder