Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy
About This Grant
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Sensory processing difficulties are one of the biggest challenges to daily life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sensory reactivity can be considered a biological response to sensory stimuli, for which individuals can vary continuously from low to high responses, for example in terms of heart rate reactivity or neural responses. We hypothesize that sensory over-responsivity (SOR), an extreme negative behavioral or affective response to everyday stimuli, emerges from early alterations in sensory reactivity and may be detected in the first six months of life. Understanding and identifying SOR emergence early in life has important implications for early intervention and limiting the extent to which SOR impairs other key developmental processes, such as social and language development, participation in school and the community, and overall well-being. Yet very few standardized, behavioral measures of SOR exist across the lifespan, and to our knowledge, no such measure exists for infants in the first 6 months of life, when these essential functions are in a key period of development. We propose to fill this critical research gap by identifying physiological (heart rate) responses to sensory stimuli and testing our hypothesis that atypical biological sensory reactivity is present and measurable before clear behavioral responses to sensory stimuli emerge. First, we will examine two existing datasets to: 1) identify candidate physiological markers of SOR in 3-month-old infants at low (LL) and elevated (EL) familial likelihood for ASD and 2) examine longitudinal changes in behavioral responses to sensory stimuli during a standardized sensory task in LL and EL infants between 6-24 months. Then, we will develop and pilot a series of standardized, naturalistic prompts that can be used to study physiological responses to aversive sensory stimuli in the first 6 months of life. Identification of physiological markers of SOR in the first 6 months would promote earlier detection of atypical development, with implications for supporting infants with atypical sensory reactivity much earlier in life, before the core features of ASD emerge.
Grant Summary
Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy is a NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health grant providing up to $163K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-06-14 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Up to $163K
2028-06-14
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health before the deadline.
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Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy?
Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy is offered by NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy provide?
Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy provides up to $163K per award from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy deadline?
Applications for Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy are due 2028-06-14 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy?
To apply for Novel Measures of Sensory Reactivity in Early Infancy, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health.