Improving brain connectivity measurements in autism
Statistical approaches to improving functional connectivity estimates with an application to autism
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11310123
This project creates better ways to analyze MRI brain scans to reveal how children's brains connect in autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11310123 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a parent, this project aims to improve how MRI brain scans are analyzed so children with autism aren't excluded when they move during scans. The team will develop statistical methods to reduce bias from head motion and to make use of brain activity while children watch movies, which often causes less movement than resting scans. They will test these methods using hundreds of pediatric fMRI scans from Kennedy Krieger, Johns Hopkins, and Emory and check whether the results hold across datasets. The goal is clearer, more reliable measures of brain connections in autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with autism who can complete MRI scans or whose existing pediatric MRI data can be shared are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Adults with autism or people without available MRI data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this methods-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce more reliable brain-based markers that help improve diagnosis and guide future treatments for children with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Prior fMRI studies have produced mixed findings and motion-related bias, while using task scans like movie-watching has shown promise and the proposed statistical improvements are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RISK, BENJAMIN BREWSTER — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: RISK, BENJAMIN BREWSTER
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, Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders