Identifying autism risk in young children with Down syndrome
Official title: Autism in Young Children with Down Syndrome
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10914968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find better ways to spot autism in young children with Down syndrome, by checking their skills and health, so that they can get the help they need as early as possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,211,087 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110542-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young children aged 0 to 4 years who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Down syndrome or are older than 4 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving early screening methods for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children who have Down syndrome. It aims to identify developmental and biomedical markers that indicate a heightened risk for ASD by examining cognitive, communication, motor skills, and adaptive behaviors in children aged 18 to 45 months. The study will involve a cohort of 225 children and will analyze their developmental profiles and any relevant medical conditions to better understand the relationship between these factors and ASD symptoms. By enhancing early detection, the research seeks to ensure that children with Down syndrome and ASD receive timely and appropriate interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better-targeted interventions for children with Down syndrome who are at risk for autism, ultimately improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in early detection methods for autism in general populations, but this specific focus on children with Down syndrome is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fidler, Deborah J — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Fidler, Deborah J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Autism in Young Children with Down Syndrome
This project looks at how autism may show up in very young children who also have Down syndrome, to help catch signs earlier and plan better supports.
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Autism risk in young children with Down syndrome
Researchers will look for early signs and health factors linked to autism in young children with Down syndrome so those most at risk can get support sooner.
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Understanding autism in young children with Down syndrome
This study is looking at how Down syndrome and autism might be connected in young kids, and it’s for parents of children with Down syndrome who want to learn more about early signs of autism and how to help their kids.
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Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
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Neural roots of how autistic adults understand word meaning
A study to understand how adults with autism process word meanings in the brain, aiming to improve language support.
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Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
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.