Understanding Brain Development in Children with Autism Using Light Technology
Naturalistic Brain Mapping in Children with Diffuse Optical Tomography
This project is creating new light-based tools to better understand how brains develop in children, especially those with autism spectrum disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129645 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing new ways to look at brain activity in children, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Current methods like MRI can be challenging for young children because they are loud and require staying very still. This new approach uses light-based imaging, called diffuse optical tomography (DOT), which is much quieter and more comfortable, allowing children to move more naturally. The goal is to create better equipment and computer programs to map how brains develop typically and atypically in conditions like ASD. This could help us understand brain changes earlier, potentially leading to better support for children with ASD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children, particularly those aged 0-11 years old, with or without atypical autistic syndrome, who might participate in brain imaging.
Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those whose condition is not related to brain development or autism spectrum disorder may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier and more comfortable ways to detect brain differences in children with autism, allowing for earlier interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While traditional optical neuroimaging systems exist, this project aims to improve upon them with high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) for better image quality, building on existing concepts.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Culver, Joseph P — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Culver, Joseph P
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.