Improving early autism screening for toddlers at 18 months
Validation of the online Toddler Autism and Development Adaptive Screener (TADAS) at 18 months
This study is testing a new online tool called TADAS that helps doctors spot autism in toddlers during their 18-month check-ups, making it easier for parents and improving the chances of catching any signs early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Total Child Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10695020 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on validating a new online tool called the Toddler Autism and Development Adaptive Screener (TADAS) designed to identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers during routine check-ups at 18 months. The TADAS uses machine learning to tailor questions based on previous data, aiming to reduce missed diagnoses and unnecessary referrals. By streamlining the screening process, it seeks to lessen the burden on parents while improving the accuracy of autism identification. The study builds on prior research that demonstrated TADAS's superior sensitivity compared to existing screening methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers around 18 months of age who are undergoing routine pediatric check-ups.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 18 months or those who have already been diagnosed with autism may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate identification of autism in toddlers, allowing for timely interventions that can significantly improve developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that innovative screening tools like TADAS can significantly improve the identification of autism compared to traditional methods.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Total Child Health, INC. — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howard, Barbara Jo — Total Child Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Howard, Barbara Jo
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.