Identifying early signs of autism in Latino children

Identifying and Distinguishing Early indicators of Autism in Latino children (IDEAL)

NIH-funded research University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11045353

This study is looking at how autism shows up in Latino children, especially in their language and communication skills, to help improve understanding and support for bilingual kids and their families.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas at Austin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Austin, United States)
Project IDNIH-11045353 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests in Latino children, particularly in relation to their language and communication skills. By examining early developmental trajectories, the project aims to identify indicators of autism that are specific to this population. The study will involve assessing both English and Spanish-speaking children to ensure that the findings are relevant to bilingual environments. This approach seeks to address the disparities in autism diagnosis and support for Latino children and their families.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are Latino children aged 0 to 5 years who may exhibit early signs of autism or are at risk for developmental delays.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Latino or are outside the age range of 0 to 5 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and diagnostic practices for autism in Latino children, enhancing their developmental outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While research on autism has been conducted, this specific focus on Latino children and bilingual environments is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.

Where this research is happening

Austin, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.