Online parent program to support toddlers waiting for an autism diagnosis
Opt In - Implementation and Evaluation of an Early Intervention Program for Children Waiting to Receive an Autism Diagnosis
This offers an online training program to help parents support young children showing signs of autism while they wait for a formal diagnosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261190 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a parent worried my toddler might be autistic, this project would give me access to OPT-In-Early online modules that teach proven behavioral strategies I can use at home. The program is self-directed and parent-led so I can begin supporting my child before a formal diagnosis is completed. The team will bring the program into participating clinics and follow families to track changes in parent skills, child behaviors, and timing of services. Data will be collected through the online platform, caregiver surveys, and brief remote or clinic check-ins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are caregivers of young children who show signs of autism and are currently waiting for a diagnostic evaluation.
Not a fit: Families whose children already receive intensive, autism-specific services or who need specialized in-person therapies may not gain additional benefit from this online program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help children get useful supports sooner by giving parents practical skills to address developmental concerns before a formal diagnosis.
How similar studies have performed: Parent-mediated early interventions for toddlers with autism signs have shown benefits in prior research, and online delivery is promising but still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vivanti, Giacomo — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Vivanti, Giacomo
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.