Investigating brain markers linked to movement difficulties in adults with autism.
Official title: Cerebellar and Basal Ganglia Markers Underlie Neuromotor Impairments in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11081632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain are working in adults with autism between the ages of 40 and 60, to see if there are any changes that might affect their movement, and it aims to help us understand how these brain changes relate to their everyday motor skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $366,892 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS121120-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 40 to 60 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 40 to 60 or those without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific brain regions, the cerebellum and basal ganglia, are affected in adults aged 40 to 60 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By using advanced imaging techniques like free-water diffusion MRI and functional MRI, the study aims to identify neuronal degeneration and abnormal brain activations that may contribute to movement disorders in this population. The research will also assess neuromotor performance through various tests to better understand the relationship between brain changes and motor function in adults with ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for movement-related challenges faced by adults with autism.
How similar studies have gone: While research on autism has primarily focused on children, this approach to studying adult neuromotor impairments is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Zheng — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Wang, Zheng
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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.