Improving language skills in infants at risk for autism
Official title: PETAL: Promoting Early Intervention Timing and Attention to Language
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11089530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the best time to start a special program for babies who might be at higher risk for autism because they have an older sibling with the condition, to help them develop their communication and language skills by the time they turn 2 years old.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $791,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020752-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants aged 6 months to 15 months who have an older sibling diagnosed with autism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of autism or are outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the timing of a parent-mediated intervention aimed at infants who are at increased risk for autism due to having an older sibling with the condition. The study will assess when to start interventions—at 9, 12, or 15 months—to best support communication and language development by 24 months. By utilizing a combination of brain and behavioral markers, the research aims to identify effective strategies for enhancing language skills in these infants. The study will involve 140 infants and will take place in the Los Angeles and Boston areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved language outcomes for infants at risk for autism, potentially reducing the impact of language delays.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in early interventions for language development in at-risk populations, but this specific timing approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kasari, Connie L. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kasari, Connie L.
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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.