R01MH131595
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
Attention Allocation as a Computational Mechanism for Altered Sensory Processing in Autism - Project Summary/Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder of brain development characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. It is often accompanied by disruptions of sensory and perceptual processing. Altered sensory and perceptual processing leads to a range of individual experiences, including heightened and dampened sensory reactions that can profoundly affect quality of life.
Despite the prominence of sensory and perceptual symptoms in ASD, there is no unifying explanation for their etiology. The central premise of this proposal is that the sensory and perceptual processing differences that occur in ASD derive from differences in attention. Specifically, we will test the hypothesis that spatial- and feature-based attention is more narrowly focused and that rapid oscillations of attention occur at a slower rate in people with ASD.
Our proposal employs computational models of visual cortical responses in combination with psychophysical and brain imaging measures of neural responses. Overall, our results will significantly advance understanding of the neural and computational basis of sensory and perceptual changes in ASD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder of brain development characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. It is often accompanied by disruptions of sensory and perceptual processing. Altered sensory and perceptual processing leads to a range of individual experiences, including heightened and dampened sensory reactions that can profoundly affect quality of life.
Despite the prominence of sensory and perceptual symptoms in ASD, there is no unifying explanation for their etiology. The central premise of this proposal is that the sensory and perceptual processing differences that occur in ASD derive from differences in attention. Specifically, we will test the hypothesis that spatial- and feature-based attention is more narrowly focused and that rapid oscillations of attention occur at a slower rate in people with ASD.
Our proposal employs computational models of visual cortical responses in combination with psychophysical and brain imaging measures of neural responses. Overall, our results will significantly advance understanding of the neural and computational basis of sensory and perceptual changes in ASD.
Awardee
Funding Goals
NOT APPLICABLE
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Seattle,
Washington
981951016
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
Analysis Notes
Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 295% from $815,984 to $3,222,301.
University Of Washington was awarded
Enhancing Sensory Processing in Autism through Attention Allocation
Project Grant R01MH131595
worth $3,222,301
from the National Institute of Mental Health in August 2023 with work to be completed primarily in Seattle Washington United States.
The grant
has a duration of 4 years 9 months and
was awarded through assistance program 93.242 Mental Health Research Grants.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional).
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 6/22/26
Period of Performance
8/1/23
Start Date
5/31/28
End Date
Funding Split
$3.2M
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$3.2M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Subgrant Awards
Disclosed subgrants for R01MH131595
Transaction History
Modifications to R01MH131595
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
R01MH131595
SAI Number
R01MH131595-3082262910
Award ID URI
SAI UNAVAILABLE
Awardee Classifications
Public/State Controlled Institution Of Higher Education
Awarding Office
75N700 NIH National Institute of Mental Health
Funding Office
75N700 NIH National Institute of Mental Health
Awardee UEI
HD1WMN6945W6
Awardee CAGE
1HEX5
Performance District
WA-07
Senators
Maria Cantwell
Patty Murray
Patty Murray
Budget Funding
| Federal Account | Budget Subfunction | Object Class | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Health and Human Services (075-0892) | Health research and training | Grants, subsidies, and contributions (41.0) | $815,984 | 100% |
Modified: 6/22/26