Understanding social interaction challenges in youth with autism and schizophrenia
Official title: Neural basis of social cognition deficits in youth with autism and schizophrenia
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-10442538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brains of young people with autism and schizophrenia work when it comes to social interactions, hoping to find ways to help them improve their social skills and experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00MH113820-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10442538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia spectrum disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms behind social interaction difficulties in young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify both common and unique brain patterns associated with social deficits in these conditions. The findings could help develop targeted interventions to improve social skills and outcomes for affected individuals. Participants will undergo neuroimaging to assess brain connectivity and activity related to social cognition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies that enhance social skills in youth with autism and schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding social cognition deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nair, Aarti — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Nair, Aarti
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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.