Improving early detection of autism in young children during check-ups
Official title: Strategies to Facilitate Early Detection of Autism in Primary Care
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10909213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make autism screenings during kids' check-ups better, especially for children aged 0-11, so that all kids, including those from less represented and lower-income families, can get the help they need as early as possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $583,805 |
| NIH project number | 5P50HD111142-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years, particularly those from minority or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who may be at risk for delayed autism diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who do not have access to pediatric care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the screening process for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during pediatric check-ups for children aged 0-11 years. It aims to identify factors that influence the effectiveness of universal screening, ensuring that all children, especially those from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, receive timely diagnoses. By analyzing data from pediatric providers and electronic health records, the project seeks to improve the consistency and reliability of ASD screenings, ultimately facilitating earlier intervention for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnoses of autism, allowing for timely interventions that significantly improve developmental outcomes for children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that universal screening for autism can effectively reduce the age of diagnosis and improve access to early intervention services.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robins, Diana L — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Robins, Diana L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Early autism screening in primary care to help kids get diagnosed sooner
This grant tests how to reliably screen for autism during routine pediatric check-ups to help children get diagnosed earlier and access intervention sooner.
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Optimizing autism diagnosis training for primary care
Aiming to help primary care providers diagnose autism more accurately and quickly so more children get support without long waits.
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PEP Talk for Parents: Helping Young Children With Autism Access Early Education and School Services
A program helps pediatricians talk with families of very young children with autism to speed up access to early intervention and school-based services.
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Earlier autism detection during 18- and 24-month pediatric check-ups
This project tests ways to make autism screening at 18- and 24-month pediatric visits find signs earlier so toddlers can get help sooner.
-
Using mobile technology to help toddlers with autism improve social interactions
This study is looking at how a virtual coaching program can help toddlers with autism by teaching their families ways to support their development in everyday life, and it aims to find out if starting this support earlier makes a difference for the kids.
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Testing a mobile coaching program for toddlers with autism
This study is looking at how well a virtual coaching program can help toddlers with autism connect and communicate better, and it’s for families with young children who are showing early signs of autism.
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.