Improving autism screening for toddlers to detect missed cases
Official title: Sensitivity of toddler screening: Integrating concurrent and prospective strategies to detect ASD
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11058389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to improve how we check for autism in toddlers during regular doctor visits, making sure we catch any cases that might have been missed before, so that kids can get the help they need as early as possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $594,320 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110140-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers aged 0-3 years who have undergone previous autism screenings and may have been missed or lost to follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 14 years or those who have already been diagnosed with ASD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the screening process for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers during routine pediatric check-ups. It aims to identify children who may have been missed in previous screenings by implementing both concurrent and prospective detection strategies. The study will follow up on toddlers who screened negative or were lost to follow-up to ensure that no cases of ASD go undetected. By doing so, it seeks to reduce the age of diagnosis and improve early intervention opportunities for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of autism in toddlers, allowing for timely interventions that can significantly improve developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that universal screening for autism can be effective, but this study aims to address gaps in follow-up, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robins, Diana L — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Robins, Diana L
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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.