Investigating how autonomic regulation affects attention in young children with autism
Official title: The Role of Autonomic Regulation of Attention in the Emergence of ASD
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11079663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how babies' heart rates and attention levels might show early signs of autism, especially in infants who have siblings with autism, to help us understand how these factors affect their development and interactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $588,029 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132925-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants aged 0-3 years, particularly those who have siblings diagnosed with autism or who were born preterm.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 3 years or do not have a family history of autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between autonomic nervous system regulation and attention in infants, particularly focusing on those at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By examining heart rate patterns and attention levels in infants, the study aims to identify early signs of ASD. The research involves comparing infants who have siblings with ASD to typically developing infants and those born preterm, to understand how these factors influence attention and the development of interactive behaviors. The findings could provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying ASD symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention strategies for autism spectrum disorder, improving outcomes for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of autonomic regulation in attention, but this specific approach focusing on early infancy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradshaw, Jessica — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Bradshaw, Jessica
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.