How parents' jobs may affect the risk of autism in their children

Parental lifetime occupational exposures and risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10475794

This study is looking at whether parents' jobs that involve harmful substances might increase the chances of their children developing autism, and it aims to find ways to reduce these risks for families.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10475794 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential link between parents' occupational exposures to harmful substances and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their children. By analyzing extensive data from Denmark, the study aims to identify modifiable risk factors that could contribute to ASD. It will track parental job histories and environmental exposures over several years, focusing on how these factors may influence neurodevelopment during pregnancy and early childhood. The findings could help in understanding how certain occupational hazards might affect children's health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their parents who have a history of occupational exposures.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or whose parents have not been exposed to relevant occupational hazards may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for autism spectrum disorder by identifying and mitigating environmental risk factors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested links between parental occupational exposures and autism, but this research aims to provide more comprehensive data and insights into these associations.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.