Investigating how hormone levels during pregnancy may affect autism risk in children
Official title: Variability in the Perinatal Hormone Environment and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10997615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in hormones during pregnancy might affect the chances of a child developing autism, especially for those whose parents used hormonal birth control around the time of conception or during pregnancy, with the goal of finding ways to better support kids at risk for autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,136 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HD116585-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years whose parents used hormonal contraception during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of autism or who were not exposed to hormonal contraception during the relevant periods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between hormonal variability during the perinatal period and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. It aims to identify whether children born to individuals who used hormonal contraception around the time of conception or during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing ASD. The study will analyze various hormonal exposures and their potential links to ASD, which could lead to improved screening and intervention strategies for at-risk children. By understanding these associations, the research seeks to provide insights that could enhance early diagnosis and support for children with ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better screening methods for autism, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between hormonal factors and autism risk, but this specific approach is relatively novel and aims to clarify these associations.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delahanty, Michelle Terese — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Delahanty, Michelle Terese
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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.