Missouri SEED Follow-Up study on autism development
Official title: Missouri Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) Follow-Up
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11581227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large study in Missouri follows children who had autism or other developmental differences to learn how autism changes from early childhood into later years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $250,000 |
| NIH project number | 6U01DD001289-05M002 |
| Project ID | NIH-11581227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children who were participants in the original SEED study or who meet similar age and diagnostic criteria for ASD or related developmental conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the SEED cohort or without ASD/related developmental concerns may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This NIH grant funds a long-term study of children ages 2-5 who previously participated in SEED, now followed into adolescence. Researchers will collect detailed information on ASD symptoms, thinking skills, and other health factors across several years to build a clearer picture of how the condition evolves. The study uses existing data plus new information from families, with genetic and perinatal factors also considered. Results could guide earlier and more personalized support for children with ASD as they grow. Participation would contribute to a better understanding of autism’s trajectory for families and clinicians.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could improve predictions about how ASD changes over time and inform tailored interventions.
How similar studies have gone: The SEED program has previously yielded valuable insights into ASD risk factors and trajectories, with ongoing expansion through ancillary studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fitzgerald, Robert — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Fitzgerald, Robert
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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.