NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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.

More Autism research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLoma Linda University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 1, 2020
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2022
Award (this year)$249,000
NIH project number5R00MH113820-05
Project IDNIH-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

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.