Improving nonverbal communication for autistic adults

Establishing Intervention Priorities for Nonverbal Communication in Autistic Adults

NIH-funded research Drexel University · NIH-11142727

This study is all about helping autistic adults improve their nonverbal communication skills by listening to their experiences and figuring out what kind of support they really want.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDrexel University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11142727 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance nonverbal communication (NVC) skills in autistic adults by first understanding their experiences and needs regarding interventions. The project will gather insights directly from autistic individuals to identify what they seek from potential interventions. By recognizing the diverse profiles of abilities and challenges within the autism spectrum, the research will prioritize tailored intervention strategies. The approach combines quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are autistic adults who experience challenges with nonverbal communication.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism or those who do not experience difficulties with nonverbal communication may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that significantly improve the nonverbal communication skills of autistic adults, enhancing their social interactions and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on communication interventions for younger individuals with autism, this approach focusing specifically on adults and their unique needs is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autistic Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.