Understanding how language and social communication work in FMR1-related autism risks
Official title: Mechanistic underpinnings of pragmatics in ASD: Insights from FMR1-mutation conditions
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11651191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-friendly study looks at why people with FMR1 gene changes may have pragmatic language difficulties, which are common in autism and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $26,672 |
| NIH project number | 7R03DC021846-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11651191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or without ASD who carry FMR1-related gene changes (e.g., fragile X syndrome or FMR1 premutation) and their family members.
✕Less likely to help
People without FMR1-related conditions or without pragmatic language difficulties may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project explores how motor speech and related brain biology contribute to the social language challenges seen in ASD and in people with FMR1-related conditions. By studying carriers of the FMR1 premutation, researchers aim to map the gene-brain-behavior pathways that underlie pragmatic language differences. The work builds on prior findings that connect ASD symptoms, genetic risk, and neurobiology, using focused assessments of speech-motor abilities to explain pragmatic communication gaps. Results could point to targeted approaches to improve everyday social communication for affected individuals and their families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could illuminate mechanisms behind social language difficulties and guide future interventions for ASD-related pragmatics.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked pragmatic language challenges across ASD and FMR1-related conditions, supporting a plausible path to meaningful insights in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Losh, Molly C — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Losh, Molly C
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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.