New ways to screen infants for autism in pediatric care

Novel Approaches to Infant Screening for ASD in Pediatric Primary Care

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10670242

This study is testing a new digital tool to help doctors spot signs of autism in babies aged 6 to 12 months, making it easier for families to get early support, especially those who might face challenges due to their background.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10670242 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to create and test innovative tools for identifying infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between the ages of 6 to 12 months in pediatric primary care settings. By utilizing a digital tool called SenseToKnow, which employs dynamic stimuli on smart devices to capture and analyze behavioral markers such as attention and vocalizations, the study seeks to enhance early detection of ASD. The goal is to improve early intervention strategies that can positively influence brain function and developmental outcomes. Additionally, this research addresses disparities in access to early diagnosis and treatment based on socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants aged 6 to 12 months who are being evaluated in pediatric primary care settings.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 6 to 12 months or those not receiving care in pediatric primary settings may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate identification of autism in infants, allowing for timely interventions that improve developmental outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using digital tools for early autism screening, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.