Autism risk after being born early (preterm)
Autism in Preterm Birth
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11190851
This project looks at whether being born before 37 weeks changes how often and why autism happens in children born in Sweden and Finland between 1996 and 2020.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11190851 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, researchers will follow a large group of children born in Sweden and Finland from 1996–2020 using national birth and health records to compare those born preterm to those born at term. They will link information like gestational age, birth measures (for example Apgar scores), maternal and fetal health, and diagnosed autism to look for risk patterns. The team will also compare genetic patterns between preterm and term children to see if inherited risks differ by when a child was born. Finally, they will use statistical methods to estimate how much of autism risk in preterm children is due to specific factors versus confounding.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children born before 37 weeks gestation (preterm) in Sweden or Finland between 1996 and 2020 and their families would be the group this research focuses on.
Not a fit: People not born in Sweden or Finland during 1996–2020 or those without linkable health records are unlikely to be included and would not directly benefit from participation in this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify preventable or treatable risk factors and guide earlier monitoring and support for children born preterm who are at higher autism risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported higher autism rates after preterm birth, but this large population-based comparison of genetic architecture and specific risk factors is a newer and more comprehensive approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SANDIN, SVEN — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: SANDIN, SVEN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder