Understanding how brain connections in newborns relate to social skills development
Official title: Links between the neonatal connectome and dimensions of social development
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11172683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way newborns' brains connect might affect their social skills as they grow up, especially for kids who have a family history of autism, to help us understand early signs of autism and social development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 19, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $834,894 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH137609-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11172683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants aged 0-11 months, particularly those with a family history of autism or developmental concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 months or do not have any familial history of autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the brain's functional network characteristics in newborns and their later social development, particularly focusing on children with and without a family history of autism. By examining brain imaging data collected from infants, the study aims to identify how early brain connectivity may influence social attention and engagement skills as these children grow. The research will involve a large sample of infants, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of both typical and atypical social development. This approach seeks to enhance our understanding of the early indicators of autism and related behavioral symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention strategies for children at risk of developing autism spectrum disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking early brain connectivity with later social outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chawarska, Katarzyna — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Chawarska, Katarzyna
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.