Understanding early signs of autism in toddlers
Official title: Investigating quantitative signatures of autism in toddlers
Funded at Queens College · NIH-10769707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to spot early signs of autism in toddlers by watching their head movements during brain scans, which could help us understand their development better and identify kids who might need extra support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Queens College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Flushing, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $373,858 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH121605-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10769707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers, particularly those with a family history of autism or developmental concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 21 years or those without any familial risk factors for autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to identify early neurobiological indicators of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in toddlers. By using advanced computational techniques, the study aims to track unusual developmental patterns and establish clinically relevant subtypes that predict the risk of atypical development. The research focuses on analyzing head movements during brain imaging to uncover meaningful data that may indicate future challenges in learning and development for children at risk for ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of autism, allowing for timely interventions that improve developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying early indicators of autism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Queens College
Flushing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Denisova, Kristina — Queens College
- Study coordinator: Denisova, Kristina
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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.