Including individuals with intellectual disabilities in autism research

Improving inclusion of individuals with intellectual disability in autism neuroscience research

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11024110

This study is looking at how children with autism and intellectual disabilities think and pay attention, using cool tools like brain scans and eye trackers, to help us find better ways to support them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11024110 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to improve our understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children who also have intellectual disabilities (ASD+ID). By including these often-overlooked individuals in neuroscience studies, the project will utilize advanced technologies like electroencephalography (EEG) and eye-tracking to gather data on brain function and visual attention. The study will involve 70 children aged 6-11 with ASD+ID and a matched group of children with intellectual disabilities but without autism. The goal is to identify key differences in brain responses and behaviors that can inform better support and interventions for these children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children aged 6-11 who have been diagnosed with both autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities.

Not a fit: Children who do not have autism or intellectual disabilities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for children with autism and intellectual disabilities.

How similar studies have performed: While research on autism has been extensive, this specific focus on children with both autism and intellectual disabilities is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, 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.
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.