Investigating language development in infants with autistic siblings
Looking and Language
This study is looking at how babies with older siblings who have autism learn to talk, and it wants to find helpful ways to support their language development by encouraging them to watch the speaker's mouth while talking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11006340 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how language skills develop in infants who have older siblings with autism. It aims to identify effective early interventions that can enhance language acquisition during critical developmental stages. The study will involve observing and engaging with 52 infants over a period of 9 months, assessing their responses to a novel intervention designed to encourage looking at the speaker's mouth during communication. Parents will also provide feedback on their experiences and any challenges they face with these interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are infants aged 6 to 15 months who have older siblings diagnosed with autism.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have older siblings with autism or who are outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved language outcomes for infants at risk of autism, enhancing their long-term psychosocial and educational prospects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in early interventions for language development in at-risk populations, suggesting that this approach could yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldman, Jacob I — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Feldman, Jacob I
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 below.