Early identification of risk for developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important to start interventive support as early as possible in toddlers' development. This study is a part of the ongoing Gaze@Toddler -project, in which 16 to18 months-old toddlers are screened for elevated risk of ASD. The parents of the toddlers with clear difficulties in gaze behaviour will be offered a brief, gaze guidance program to support their child. We will investigate whether the program improves toddlers' gaze behaviour and positively affects their social engagement and development of self-regulation. We will also study the effects of providing parents with guidance about their toddlers' sleep, as problems in this area are very common in toddlers with developmental challenges, and sleep plays a crucial role in favourable development. It is hoped that results will inform about ways to support parents at the stage when developmental concerns arise.

2022

2026