Investigating language challenges in autism and their genetic links.
Official title: A Family-Genetic Study of Language in Autism
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-10915569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle with social language and whether these challenges might be linked to genetic factors in their family members, so we can better understand these issues and help families affected by ASD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $653,055 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC010191-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915569 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their first-degree relatives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a family history of autism or those not diagnosed with ASD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the social language difficulties faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how these challenges may be influenced by genetic factors in their unaffected family members. By studying families with a history of ASD, the research aims to identify the biological origins of these language impairments using advanced methods and analysis. Participants will include individuals with ASD, their parents, and control groups, allowing for a comprehensive examination of language profiles that go beyond traditional diagnostic categories.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for language difficulties in individuals with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic influences on autism-related traits, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Losh, Molly C — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Losh, Molly C
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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.