Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Florida International University received a $974,199 Project Grant award dated June 20, 2026, from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) under the Mental Health Research Grants program (CFDA 93.242). The grant funds a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) evaluating an adaptive, parent-mediated telehealth intervention designed to improve outcomes for autistic children. The research will enroll 340 parent-child dyads and deliver self-directed online intervention modules teaching evidence-based autism intervention principles through computer, tablet, or mobile device platforms. The intervention incorporates variable levels and types of support, with initial randomization to self-directed programming or self-directed programming with automated support, followed by re-randomization of low-engagement participants to individual or group clinical support.

The research deliverables include rigorous multi-method, longitudinal assessments evaluating implementation fidelity and child developmental outcomes across key domains impacted by autism. The study addresses a critical public health gap by providing an accessible alternative to traditional clinic-based early intervention services, which are constrained by long waitlists and high costs. The project extends through March 31, 2031, and is positioned to generate evidence regarding which families benefit from low-intensity versus high-support telehealth intervention models for autism, informing scalable service delivery approaches within the mental health system.