Understanding how autonomic nervous system issues in preterm infants may predict autism.
Official title: Neonatal autonomic nervous system dysfunction as a predictor of autism spectrum disorder in preterm infants
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11129437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with the nervous system in very premature babies might be linked to the development of autism, and it hopes to find early signs that could help identify these issues in infants who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $746,183 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH138028-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are very preterm infants who are at a higher risk for autism and other neurodevelopmental impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preterm or do not exhibit any signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in very preterm infants. By monitoring heart rate and thermal regulation, the study aims to identify how early ANS issues may contribute to neurodevelopmental impairments. It will also explore how neonatal complications, such as severe brain injury or infections, affect this relationship. The findings could help in understanding the early signs of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders in vulnerable infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification and intervention strategies for infants at risk of developing autism spectrum disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between autonomic nervous system dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dail, Robin Britt — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Dail, Robin Britt
Related research
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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.