Understanding hearing impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Official title: Project 2: Wilkerson
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11049138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hearing problems can affect children with autism, using a special mouse model to find out why these issues happen and how they might influence social skills, with the hope of discovering ways to help improve hearing for better communication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $226,500 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM148302-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who also experience hearing impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or related hearing impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how hearing impairments, such as auditory processing disorders, affect children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome, which is linked to ASD, the study aims to identify the underlying causes of these hearing issues and their impact on social communication. The researchers will test methods to improve hearing function and analyze changes in the cochlea at a cellular level. This work could lead to a better understanding of how sensory deficits contribute to ASD symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve hearing and social communication in children with autism spectrum disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory deficits in autism, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkerson, Brent Allen — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Wilkerson, Brent Allen
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.