Using mobile technology to help toddlers with autism improve social interactions
Official title: 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
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-10684203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | July 16, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,091,087 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH121627-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10684203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers aged 18 months to 30 months who have been identified with early signs of autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 30 months or do not show early signs of autism may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wetherby, Amy M — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Wetherby, Amy M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Early autism screening in primary care to help kids get diagnosed sooner
This grant tests how to reliably screen for autism during routine pediatric check-ups to help children get diagnosed earlier and access intervention sooner.
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Optimizing autism diagnosis training for primary care
Aiming to help primary care providers diagnose autism more accurately and quickly so more children get support without long waits.
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PEP Talk for Parents: Helping Young Children With Autism Access Early Education and School Services
A program helps pediatricians talk with families of very young children with autism to speed up access to early intervention and school-based services.
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Earlier autism detection during 18- and 24-month pediatric check-ups
This project tests ways to make autism screening at 18- and 24-month pediatric visits find signs earlier so toddlers can get help sooner.
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Improving early detection of autism in young children during check-ups
This study is looking at ways to make autism screenings during kids' check-ups better, especially for children aged 0-11, so that all kids, including those from less represented and lower-income families, can get the help they need as early as possible.
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Testing a mobile coaching program for toddlers with autism
This study is looking at how well a virtual coaching program can help toddlers with autism connect and communicate better, and it’s for families with young children who are showing early signs of autism.
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.