Tracking early development in infants at risk for autism
Project 3: Developmental trajectories in infants at genetic risk for autism
This study is looking at how genetic testing can help find babies who might be at risk for autism before any signs show up, so they can be watched closely as they grow and get the support they need earlier.
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 ID | NIH-10916387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic screening can identify infants at risk for autism before behavioral symptoms appear. By monitoring the development of these infants every three months from ages 3 to 15 months, researchers aim to understand how their neurodevelopmental pathways differ from those of infants without genetic risk. The study will focus on various aspects of development, including autonomic nervous system function, sensory processing, and social communication skills. This approach may lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention for those at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants aged 0-4 weeks who have been identified through genetic screening as being at risk for autism.
Not a fit: Infants who do not have identified genetic risk for autism or are older than 4 weeks may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier diagnosis and targeted interventions for infants at risk for autism, potentially improving long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While genetic screening for autism risk is a growing field, this specific approach combining genetic risk with detailed neurodevelopmental tracking is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amso, Dima — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Amso, Dima
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 below.