Autism Risk in Babies Born Earliest (Preterm Birth)
Official title: Autism in Preterm Birth
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11396513 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether being born early (before 37 weeks) changes how autism develops in children, especially compared with babies born on time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $532,621 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113669-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396513 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children born preterm (before 37 weeks) or full-term who are part of the Swedish and Finnish birth cohorts and their families.
✕Less likely to help
Children born at term with no diagnosed autism or related conditions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers will follow a large group of children born in Sweden and Finland from 1996 to 2020 to see how autism risk relates to gestational age. The study will examine genetic and environmental factors to understand why preterm birth might influence autism differently than full-term birth. By comparing preterm and term groups and adjusting for various factors, the team hopes to identify specific risk factors and how big a role environment plays. The ultimate goal is to clarify how early birth affects autism and what that means for prevention and early support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could help families and clinicians understand autism risk in children born early and guide early monitoring and support.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked preterm birth with altered neurodevelopment, but this project aims to clarify genetic versus environmental contributions in autism.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Autism risk after being born early (preterm)
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.
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Investigating the link between preterm birth and autism risk
This study is looking at how being born early might affect the chances of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder, and it's for families with children born preterm in Sweden and Finland between 1996 and 2020, to help understand the different factors that could play a role in this.
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Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
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Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
-
Screening and treatment for Chlamydia infection to help prevent preterm birth
A study in pregnant people will test whether screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating it during pregnancy can reduce the risk of babies being born too early.
-
IL-9 Signaling and Immune-Driven Preterm Birth
This NIH grant supports training a physician-scientist to lead a new lab studying how immune signals, especially IL-9, affect preterm birth.
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.