Developmental paths in infants at genetic risk for autism
Official title: Project 3: Developmental trajectories in infants at genetic risk for autism
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11413757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies whether early genetic risk and developmental patterns can point to autism earlier in infants so they can get help sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $660,632 |
| NIH project number | 5P50HD109879-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413757 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Infants aged 3 to 15 months, with or without identified genetic risk for autism, whose families consent to longitudinal developmental assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Infants not in the identified risk group or those at the fringes of assessment schedules may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
We will follow 300 infants from 3 to 15 months old, comparing those with identified genetic risk to matched peers without risk. The study tracks autonomic nervous system function, sensory processing, and early social communication every three months to see how trajectories differ by genetic risk. By combining genetic data with detailed developmental measures, researchers aim to spot patterns that precede behavioral signs of autism. The PROGRESS Center will integrate findings across genetics, parental experience, and development to build a clearer picture of early risk markers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier identification and timely interventions for infants at genetic risk for autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that combining genetic risk with developmental trajectories can inform early risk signaling, but this exact longitudinal, multi-system approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amso, Dima — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Amso, Dima
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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.