Improving early intervention services for children with autism
Official title: 4/4: Improving the Part C Early Intervention Service Delivery System for Children with ASD: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Funded at University of Massachusetts Boston · NIH-10851005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun and friendly way to help young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by training caregivers to use a special play technique, so that more kids under 3 can get the support they need to thrive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $860,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH122728-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10851005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 3 who exhibit early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are older than 3 years or do not show early signs of autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the delivery of early intervention services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by training providers in a specific behavioral intervention called Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT). The study will involve a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of this training in improving outcomes for children under age 3 who show early signs of ASD. By focusing on a play-based and family-friendly approach, the research seeks to increase the frequency and quality of interventions provided to these children. The ultimate goal is to ensure that more children receive the specialized support they need during critical developmental years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved developmental outcomes for young children with autism by enhancing the quality and accessibility of early intervention services.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar behavioral interventions in improving outcomes for children with developmental disorders, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carter, Alice S. — University of Massachusetts Boston
- Study coordinator: Carter, Alice S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Low-cost, image-guided photodynamic therapy for oral lesions in low-resource settings
A field-tested system combines simple imaging with targeted light-based therapy to screen and treat pre-malignant and malignant oral lesions in low-resource areas.
-
How histone variants evolved to shape DNA regulation in yeast and fruit flies
Scientists study how changes in histone proteins, the helpers that package DNA, affect how cells control genes and DNA repair in yeast and fruit flies.
-
Partnership to Bridge Gaps in Cancer Research and Education between UMass Boston and Harvard Cancer Center
A collaborative program between UMass Boston and the Harvard Cancer Center aims to close gaps in cancer research, education, outreach, and infrastructure to benefit diverse communities.
-
Maintaining male fertility through RNA binding proteins
This grant aims to understand how RNA binding proteins help sperm stem cells in males stay healthy and continue producing sperm, using zebrafish as a model to inform potential fertility improvements.
-
Low-cost camera-and-therapy system for oral cancer screening and guided light therapy in low-resource areas
A team is developing an affordable, easy-to-use system that screens for oral cancer and guides light-based therapy in people in low-resource settings.
-
Stopping therapy-resistant prostate cancer by blocking FOXA2 and AP-1
This research looks at whether blocking a protein switch called FOXA2 and its partner AP‑1 can stop or reverse prostate cancers that no longer respond to hormone therapy.
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.