Using computer vision to identify motor differences in infants with autism
Official title: Identifying autism motor deficits in infants using computer vision
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11058226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way babies move might help us spot signs of autism earlier, using video recordings to track their movements, so we can better support families and kids with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $208,888 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH136592-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants aged 0-11 months who are at risk for autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 months or those who do not exhibit any risk factors for autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how motor differences in infants can predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses. By utilizing advanced deep learning techniques and video analysis, the study aims to objectively quantify these motor differences through the analysis of videos from behavioral assessments. The research will involve tracking infant movements and validating these findings as potential biomarkers for ASD, which could lead to earlier identification and intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier diagnosis and intervention for infants at risk of autism, improving long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using technology for early autism detection, but this specific approach utilizing deep learning and video analysis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goodhill, Geoffrey J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Goodhill, Geoffrey J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Neural roots of how autistic adults understand word meaning
A study to understand how adults with autism process word meanings in the brain, aiming to improve language support.
-
Sleep and daily rhythms and brain development in autism
Aiming to understand how sleep problems and daily activity patterns affect brain growth, thinking skills, daily functioning, and autism symptoms in children.
-
Early sensory development and language in infants/toddlers at risk for autism
A family-friendly study exploring how early sensory responses relate to language development in young children who have siblings with autism.
-
Autism Caregiver Coaching in Africa for Young Children
A Duke University-led project in South Africa aims to help young children with autism by training caregivers to deliver proven coaching strategies through non-specialist providers.
-
Autism and Self-regulation: Remote Testing of Heart-Related Signals in Kids
A study to see if remote testing can safely measure how children with autism and disruptive behavior manage emotions and self-control by tracking heart signals and other markers.
-
Understanding brain signals in autism to identify biologically distinct subtypes
This study uses EEG to link how the brain processes sensory information with behavior in young children with autism and related concerns.
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.