This study is focused on evaluating the early development of language, communication and autism characteristics in Latino children living in Texas. This study is a multi-method study where we use 1) parent report, 2) direct assessment, and 3) observational measures (i.e., wearables) to evaluate the language and autism characteristics. Latino children aged 1, 2, and 3 years of age who fall into one of the following categories (1 - typically development, 2 - developmental delays, or 3 - older sibling with autism) will enroll in the study along with their caregivers and are followed up every 6 months for 2 years. Study participation takes place in the IDEA Research Lab at the JJ Pickle Research Campus or in the family's home.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency is required (reading, writing, speaking, understanding)
- Prior experience working with infants and toddlers
- Familiar with child and human development
- Prior experience with administering standardized developmental assessments or conducting interviews
- Prior experience with research, REDCap
Recruitment is ongoing. Project will end January 31, 2030, pending continued funding.
- Recruit families in north and central Texas
- Administer developmental, language, and autism assessments to infants and toddlers
- Interview caregivers on child development, child behavior, and autism characteristics
- Code language, communication, and autism characteristics from play observations
- Data entry, data analysis
- Research activities are conducted in person at the JJ Pickle Research Campus or in the family's homes throughout San Antonio through the north Austin area
