Understanding sensory differences in young siblings of children with autism

Sensory Project in Infant/Toddler Siblings of Children with Autism (Project SPIS)

['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10871693

This study is looking at how babies and toddlers with siblings who have autism respond to their senses and how that might help them learn to talk better, with the hope of finding new ways to support their language development.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10871693 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how sensory responsiveness in infants and toddlers who have siblings with autism may influence their language development. By examining the early sensory experiences of these children, the study aims to identify novel predictors that could enhance language acquisition. The approach involves observing and measuring sensory responses and their potential impact on social engagement and communication skills. The ultimate goal is to develop interventions that could improve language outcomes for these young children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and toddlers who have siblings diagnosed with autism.

Not a fit: Children without siblings diagnosed with autism or those who are older than 5 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies that enhance language development in young children at risk for autism.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of sensory responsiveness affecting language development is promising, evidence supporting this theory is still limited, indicating that this research could be pioneering.

Where this research is happening

NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Autistic Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.