Predicting autism risk in newborns using genetics
Official title: Project 1: Identifying and optimizing monogenetic risk prediction for autism in newborns
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11413750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A newborns’ genes are studied to identify those who might be at higher risk for autism so that families and clinicians can plan early support.
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) | $418,233 |
| NIH project number | 5P50HD109879-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Newborns in the targeted population whose parents opt into genome sequencing and receive results for specific brain-related genetic variants.
✕Less likely to help
Infants without the high-risk genetic variants or whose families do not opt to receive genomic results may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how genomic sequencing in newborns could identify monogenic risks associated with autism. It describes a pilot program in New York City where parents can receive results for highly penetrant brain-related genetic variants. The goal is to understand which infants with these variants will develop autism and whether early behavioral interventions can help. The research team wants to refine which genetic signals best predict autism risk and how to estimate their impact accurately.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier identification and timely early-life interventions for children at higher autism risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows a link between certain genetic variants and autism risk, but precise prediction and intervention timing remain challenging.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Wendy K — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chung, Wendy K
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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.