Understanding how facial expressions work in autism
Official title: Sensorimotor Control of Facial Expression in Autism
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11068518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with autism control their facial expressions and how this affects their ability to communicate and recognize emotions, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve social skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,295 |
| NIH project number | 1F30MH136677-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068518 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the sensorimotor control of facial expressions in individuals with autism. It aims to understand how atypical facial expressivity affects communication and emotional recognition, which are crucial for social interactions. The study will explore the underlying sensorimotor mechanisms that contribute to these atypical expressions, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets. By examining the relationship between facial muscle control and sensory feedback, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to more effective interventions for improving social and emotional skills in autistic individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication and emotional recognition skills for individuals with autism.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on the sensorimotor basis of facial expression in autism, this approach is novel and aims to fill a significant gap in understanding.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bress, Kimberly Summer — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Bress, Kimberly Summer
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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.