NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding language and executive function in girls with autism or fragile X syndrome

Official title: Language and Executive Function in Females with ASD or FXS

Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10907650 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at the language and thinking challenges that young girls with autism and fragile X syndrome experience, aiming to understand how their skills are similar or different so that we can improve support and learning for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$660,888
NIH project number5R01DC020439-02
Project IDNIH-10907650 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are females aged 0-21 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or fragile X syndrome.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or fragile X syndrome may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the language and cognitive challenges faced by females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fragile X syndrome (FXS). It aims to compare the developmental profiles of these two groups, focusing on their language skills and executive functions, which are crucial for everyday functioning. By studying these areas, the research seeks to identify both commonalities and differences that can inform better clinical and educational strategies. The approach includes detailed assessments of language and cognitive abilities in young females with these conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved educational and therapeutic interventions tailored specifically for girls with ASD and FXS.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding cognitive and language development in males with these conditions, but this specific focus on females is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Madison, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sterling, Audra Marie — University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Study coordinator: Sterling, Audra Marie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.