Understanding white matter development in autism across different ages
Official title: Mapping lifespan trajectories of white matter in autism and improving reproducibility through shared diffusion MRI data
Funded at San Diego State University · NIH-10805467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's white matter changes as people with autism grow from their teenage years into adulthood, using special imaging technology to help us understand these changes better and improve our knowledge about brain development in autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH133229-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10805467 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, particularly those aged 12 years and older.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or those younger than 12 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how white matter, which is crucial for brain development, changes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from adolescence into adulthood. Using advanced diffusion MRI technology, the study aims to analyze existing data from large databases to better understand the neurodevelopmental trajectories associated with ASD. By examining these changes, the research seeks to improve the reproducibility of findings related to white matter in ASD, which has been inconsistent in previous studies. This approach leverages shared data to enhance statistical power and provide clearer insights into brain development in autism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of brain development in individuals with autism, potentially informing better therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research utilizing shared multimodal datasets has shown promise in enhancing understanding of autism, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego State University
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hau, Janice — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: Hau, Janice
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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.