Improving communication skills in toddlers at risk for language delays

Optimizing Intervention Options for Toddlers with Early Social Communication Delays

NIH-funded research University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10669100

This study is looking at ways to help toddlers who have siblings with autism and might struggle with talking and social skills, by creating a flexible program that parents can use to support their child's communication development while keeping track of how well it's working for the family.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas at Austin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Austin, United States)
Project IDNIH-10669100 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on toddlers who are siblings of children with autism and are at risk for language and communication delays. It aims to develop and test a flexible intervention that parents can use to support their child's social communication development. The study will monitor the children's progress and adapt the intervention based on their changing needs, ensuring that it is effective and acceptable for families. By evaluating both child and family outcomes, the research seeks to refine the intervention and improve its overall effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers aged 0-3 years who are siblings of children diagnosed with autism.

Not a fit: Toddlers who do not have siblings with autism or who do not exhibit any signs of communication delays may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide tailored intervention strategies that significantly enhance communication skills in at-risk toddlers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using adaptive interventions for children with communication delays, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

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.
Conditions Communication Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.