Language and thinking skills in females with autism, fragile X, or Down syndrome
Language and Executive Function in Females with ASD or FXS
This project looks at language and executive (thinking and self-control) skills in girls and women with autism, fragile X syndrome, or Down syndrome to learn how their strengths and challenges compare.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11337715 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear how researchers compare girls and women with autism, fragile X syndrome, and Down syndrome by using language tests, tasks that measure planning and self-control, and reports about daily living and school skills. The team combines direct testing with parent or caregiver questionnaires to build a clear picture of abilities and needs. By focusing on females—who are often left out of research—they hope to identify patterns that can guide better clinical and educational support.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Girls and women diagnosed with autism (iASD), fragile X syndrome (FXS), or Down syndrome (DS), likely spanning childhood and adolescence, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People without ASD, FXS, or DS, or those not included in the study's age or diagnostic groups, would not directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help clinicians and educators tailor therapies and school supports specifically for girls and women with these conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Past research—mostly in males—has revealed overlaps and differences across these conditions, so this project builds on known findings but is novel in its focus on females.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sterling, Audra Marie — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Sterling, Audra Marie
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.