Understanding how the cerebellum affects autonomic responses in autism
Official title: Defining the Autonomic Cerebellum in Autism
Funded at Northeast Ohio Medical University · NIH-10932870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the cerebellum helps control stress responses in children with autism, and it hopes to find new ways to help those kids feel more balanced and calm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeast Ohio Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rootstown, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 5DP5OD036148-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who experience symptoms of dysautonomia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or those who do not exhibit symptoms of dysautonomia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the cerebellum in regulating autonomic responses in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It aims to identify specific areas of the cerebellum that control the adrenal medulla, which is responsible for releasing adrenaline and managing the body's stress response. By using non-invasive techniques like trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the study seeks to develop targeted therapies for the dysregulated autonomic responses that affect many autistic children. The research addresses critical gaps in knowledge that could lead to more effective treatments for dysautonomia associated with ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that significantly improve the quality of life for children with autism by addressing their autonomic dysregulation.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting the cerebellum for autonomic regulation is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain regions involved in autonomic control.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Rootstown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seese, Ronald Robert — Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Study coordinator: Seese, Ronald Robert
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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.