Using mobile technology to help toddlers with autism improve social interactions
1/3 Effectiveness Trial of the Early Social Interaction (ESI) Model using Mobile Technology for Toddlers with Autism Identified from Early Screening in Primary Care
This study is looking at how a virtual coaching program can help toddlers with autism by teaching their families ways to support their development in everyday life, and it aims to find out if starting this support earlier makes a difference for the kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10684203 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a virtual early intervention program called Early Social Interaction Mobile Coaching (ESI-MC) for toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Families will receive telehealth sessions that provide coaching and feedback, allowing them to integrate intervention strategies into their daily routines. The study will assess whether starting these interventions earlier leads to better developmental outcomes for children. A total of 240 children will be recruited and randomly assigned to different timing groups for the intervention, with their progress monitored over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers aged 18 months to 30 months who have been identified with early signs of autism spectrum disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 30 months or do not show early signs of autism may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved social communication skills and engagement in toddlers with autism, enhancing their developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with virtual intervention approaches for autism, indicating potential for success with this novel method.
Where this research is happening
Tallahassee, United States
- Florida State University — Tallahassee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wetherby, Amy M — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Wetherby, Amy M
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 below.