Improving communication strategies to reduce aggressive behaviors in children with autism
Official title: Motivational Refinements for Facilitating Reinforcement Schedule Thinning
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10922860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping kids with autism learn to communicate better so they can express what they need without acting out, making life easier and happier for them and their families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $376,976 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD108617-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922860 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who exhibit aggressive or self-injurious behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or who are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and refining techniques to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) communicate more effectively, thereby reducing destructive behaviors such as aggression and self-injury. The approach involves functional communication training (FCT), where children learn to express their needs through appropriate communication instead of resorting to harmful behaviors. By identifying the triggers for these behaviors, clinicians can implement strategies that reinforce positive communication while minimizing negative actions. The goal is to create a supportive environment that encourages better behavior in both home and community settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for children with autism by reducing aggressive behaviors and enhancing their ability to communicate effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that functional communication training can effectively reduce destructive behaviors in children with autism, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greer, Brian D. — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Greer, Brian D.
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.