Optimizing how parents teach kids with autism through sequencing evidence-based parent programs
Official title: Optimizing Outcomes through Sequencing Parent-Mediated Interventions for Young Children with Autism
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11395302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests the best order to use two parent-led therapies for children with autism to improve social communication and reduce disruptive behavior.
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 | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $661,556 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DC020457-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents, particularly those within the early school years up to around age 9.
✕Less likely to help
Children without access to or who are not suitable for parent-mediated interventions may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project will test which sequence of two proven parent-mediated interventions helps children with autism best—one focusing on social communication and the other on reducing disruptive behavior. Researchers will use an adaptive trial design to assign families to different sequences and measure how well each plan works over time. The goal is to find practical guidance for parents on how to combine these tools most effectively in everyday life. The study involves families with young children who have autism and will look at factors that influence success, such as parent engagement and child responses. Results could inform more personalized, feasible interventions for families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families could receive clearer guidance on how to combine parent-led therapies to improve communication and behavior in children with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show benefit for each intervention individually; this study tests a novel sequencing/adaptive approach for combined use.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Megan Y — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Megan Y
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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.