How early experiences shape social behavior in infants

The Multisensory Ontogeny of Social Behavior

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-10910482

This study looks at how the care babies receive from their parents affects their social skills, especially for infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder, by exploring how they respond to their mom's scent and how early challenges might impact their ability to connect with others.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10910482 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how early parental care influences the development of social behaviors in infants, particularly focusing on those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It explores the neural mechanisms that encode parental cues and how early life adversity can lead to long-lasting social deficits. By using innovative behavioral paradigms and technologies, the study aims to understand the sensory processing deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The research will involve examining the effects of maternal odors on infant memory and behavior during critical early developmental stages.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or those at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 21 years or do not have Autism Spectrum Disorder may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that improve social functioning in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of early life experiences on social behavior, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Autistic Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.