Understanding language challenges in children with autism using brain imaging
Multimodal dMRI, MRS and MEG studies of language impairment in low-verbal ASD
This project uses special brain imaging techniques to learn why some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty with language.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112521 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are using advanced brain imaging, including magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to look at how the brain processes sounds in children with autism. Our previous work showed that we can predict how quickly the brain responds to sounds in typically developing children, but this response is often delayed in children with ASD. We found a specific group of children with ASD whose brain responses were unusually slow and also had lower levels of a brain chemical called GABA. By understanding these brain differences, we hope to find new ways to help children with ASD who struggle with language.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be children aged 0-11 years old who have been diagnosed with low-verbal autism spectrum disorder.
Not a fit: Patients without autism spectrum disorder or those outside the specified age range would likely not receive direct benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify specific biological reasons for language difficulties in children with ASD, leading to more targeted and effective treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon prior work that successfully used multimodal imaging to model brain responses in children, now extending it to understand heterogeneity in ASD.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Timothy P — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Timothy P
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.