Understanding how toddlers with autism learn to pay attention to social cues
Investigation into the role of value learning in core features of autism in toddlers
This study looks at how toddlers with autism learn to pay attention to people and social situations compared to other things, helping us understand why they might find it harder to focus on social interactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11025418 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn to focus on social interactions compared to non-social stimuli. It explores the concept of value learning, which is the process by which children associate certain stimuli, like faces, with positive experiences, such as smiles. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to identify why children with ASD may struggle with social attention. The study will involve observing toddlers' responses to various social and non-social stimuli to better understand their attentional biases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing social attention in toddlers with autism, potentially aiding their social development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding value learning can significantly impact interventions for children with autism, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chawarska, Katarzyna — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Chawarska, Katarzyna
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 below.