Improving early identification of autism in girls
Official title: Towards equitable early identification of autism spectrum disorders in females
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10904936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to improve how we spot autism in girls, who often get missed by current tests, by using new technology to make sure the screening questions are better suited for them, so we can help kids get diagnosed earlier and support their families more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $126,724 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HD112507-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly females who may exhibit early signs of autism spectrum disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or do not exhibit symptoms of autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the early detection of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in females, who are often overlooked by current screening tools. By utilizing advanced computational methods, the study aims to identify and address biases in existing screening questionnaires that may not accurately capture the symptoms of ASD in girls. The project will involve analyzing data from a large sample of children aged 17-25 months to develop a more effective screening approach that can lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for affected children and their families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of autism in females, improving their access to necessary interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing sex-related biases in autism screening can improve diagnostic accuracy, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burrows, Catherine Ann — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Burrows, Catherine Ann
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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.