The FIRST WORDS® Project is a longitudinal research investigation in the Department of Communication Disorders at Florida State University. Our major goal is to identify early red flags of developmental language disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and other communication delays in children under 24 months of age. Through our research findings, we aim to improve screening tools and early detection of communication disorders by maximizing the role of the family, which will help families obtain intervention services sooner.

The FIRST WORDS® Project has received support for research from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and Institute of Education Sciences; the National Institutes of Health, Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Jacksonville, Florida; the Phillips Endowment; Todd and Annie Trimmer; and Delta Airlines.