Understanding how autistic adolescents process rewards
Official title: Neural mechanism of reward processing in autistic adolescents
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10948847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how teenagers with autism respond to rewards in social situations compared to their peers without autism, using brain scans to understand the differences, and it's aimed at helping improve social interactions for young people aged 10-15.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $255,362 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH137759-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 10-15 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 10-15 or those without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) respond to rewards, particularly in social situations. By comparing brain activity in autistic youths to neurotypical peers using functional MRI, the study aims to uncover differences in reward processing. The focus is on adolescents aged 10-15, a critical developmental period for social interactions. The research seeks to identify the neural mechanisms behind reduced responses to social rewards, which could inform future interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies that enhance social motivation and engagement in autistic adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding reward processing in autism, but this study aims to address specific gaps, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jarcho, Johanna Molly — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Jarcho, Johanna Molly
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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.