Improving communication and behavior in young children with autism through parent involvement
Optimizing Outcomes through Sequencing Parent-Mediated Interventions for Young Children with Autism
This study is looking at the best way for parents to help their young children with autism by trying out two different types of support—one for communication and one for behavior—to see which order works best for improving their social skills and reducing challenging behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10890105 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing outcomes for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by optimizing the sequence of two parent-mediated interventions. The study aims to determine the best order to implement a communication intervention and a behavior intervention, both of which have shown effectiveness individually. By involving parents in these interventions, the research seeks to improve children's social communication skills and reduce disruptive behaviors. The approach includes a randomized trial to assess how different sequences of interventions impact outcomes for children and their families.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, particularly those experiencing communication challenges and disruptive behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or who are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication and behavioral outcomes for children with autism, benefiting both the children and their families.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of individual parent-mediated interventions for autism, but this adaptive approach to sequencing them is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Megan Y — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Megan Y
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.