Understanding how large brain size relates to autism spectrum disorder
Official title: Mechanisms by Which Macrocephaly Underlies Autism Spectrum Disorder
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-10909012 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having a larger brain might be connected to autism, especially by exploring certain genes that could affect brain growth and behavior, and it uses animal models to help understand these links better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $208,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD108696-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909012 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, particularly those exhibiting macrocephaly.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or those not exhibiting macrocephaly may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between macrocephaly, or enlarged brain size, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It focuses on how excessive proliferation of brain cells in individuals with ASD may contribute to their symptoms. By studying specific genes like ASPM, which is linked to brain size and function, the research aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that underlie ASD. The approach includes using animal models to observe behaviors and brain development associated with these genetic changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the biological causes of autism, potentially informing better treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic factors related to brain size and autism, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bae, Byoung-Il — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Bae, Byoung-Il
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding brain signals in autism to identify biologically distinct subtypes
This study uses EEG to link how the brain processes sensory information with behavior in young children with autism and related concerns.
-
Paternal exposures and sperm epigenetics linked to autism in children
This project looks at how a father's environment and health before conception might influence autism risk in his children.
-
Anxiety Management for Young Children with Autism
A study at a major hospital will test a medication called buspirone in young children with autism to see if it helps reduce anxiety.
-
Sleep problems in autism and daily functioning
A large study at a major university is looking at how sleep problems affect children with autism and their daily lives.
-
Sleep and ASD: Understanding how sleep problems relate to autism symptoms
A Stanford team is studying whether sleep problems contribute to and worsen autism symptoms in children and how improving sleep could help.
-
Canine-assisted addition to group therapy for emotion dysregulation in kids with autism
A study will test whether adding animal-assisted therapy to a proven group treatment helps reduce emotion dysregulation in children with autism.
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.