Understanding social language challenges in autism and related genetic conditions
Official title: Mechanistic underpinnings of pragmatics in ASD: Insights from FMR1-mutation conditions
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11056440 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with autism and their families, especially those with a specific genetic change, struggle with social communication, and it aims to understand the reasons behind these challenges to help improve support and interventions for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DC021846-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056440 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include children aged 0-11 years with autism spectrum disorder or those with a first-degree relative affected by ASD, particularly if they have FMR1 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or a related genetic condition, and those outside the specified age range, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the social language difficulties faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their relatives, particularly focusing on those with FMR1 mutations. By examining the genetic and neurobiological factors that contribute to these challenges, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that affect communication skills. The research will involve assessing motor-speech abilities and their relationship to pragmatic language skills in children and families affected by these conditions. Through this approach, the study seeks to provide insights that could inform future interventions and support for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for social language difficulties in children with autism and their families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic and neurobiological correlates of pragmatic language impairments in autism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Losh, Molly C — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Losh, Molly C
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.