A multi-institution research team has earned more than $12 million total from the National Institute for Mental Health, or NIMH, to fund a multi-site clinical trial examining effective early intervention methods for toddlers with or at-risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The researchers are part of RISE (Reciprocal Imitation and Social Engagement), a national network of researchers investigating intervention and parent coaching strategies.

High quality, evidence-based early intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, can have a strong impact on their development and success. However, the rise in ASD prevalence poses a challenge for publicly funded systems that are ill-equipped to offer high- quality, evidence-based interventions.

The challenge the research team intends to address is variance between practices, with a goal of improving services and outcomes for those showing early signs of ASD.

“The goal of this research is to increase timely and equitable access to ASD-specialized early intervention during the critical first three years of life by capitalizing on the existing infrastructure of early intervention systems that are publicly funded and available in all U.S. States,” said Brooke Ingersoll, professor of clinical psychology at Michigan State University, director of MSU’s Autism Research Lab and lead investigator of the MSU site.

Ready full story at MSU Today.