Understanding how caregivers perceive infant cries to identify early signs of autism

Caregiver Cry Perception and Developmental Trajectories of Infant-Caregiver Interactions Involving Cry as an Early Marker of Autism

NIH-funded research University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11176686

This study is looking at how parents and caregivers understand and react to their babies' cries to see if certain sounds might help spot early signs of autism, with the goal of improving support for children who may be at risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11176686 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how caregivers perceive the cries of infants and how these perceptions may relate to early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By analyzing the acoustic features of infant cries, the study aims to identify specific characteristics that may indicate a risk for autism. The research will involve caregivers recalling their experiences with their infants' cries and examining how these perceptions correlate with later developmental outcomes. This approach seeks to enhance early screening and intervention strategies for children at risk of ASD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include caregivers of infants aged 1 month to 1 year who may exhibit early signs of autism or developmental delays.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 1 year or those who do not have concerns about autism or developmental delays may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention for children at risk of autism, improving long-term developmental outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that cry characteristics can serve as early markers for autism, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.