Understanding how early life experiences affect child brain development

23/24 Healthy Brain and Child Development National Consortium

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10877870

This study is looking at how different environmental factors, like a mother's health and stress, can affect the brain development of children from birth to 10 years old, and it's designed for families with young kids to help improve support and care for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877870 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of various environmental hazards on child development, focusing on children from birth to 10 years old. It aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of neurodevelopmental trajectories by studying a diverse group of 7,500 mothers and infants across 24 sites in the United States. The study utilizes advanced neuroimaging techniques, along with behavioral and physiological assessments, to gather data on how factors like maternal health, substance exposure, and stress influence brain development. By creating a detailed dataset, the research seeks to provide insights that can inform interventions and support for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include mothers and infants from diverse backgrounds, particularly those exposed to environmental hazards during pregnancy or early life.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 10 years or those without exposure to the identified environmental hazards may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for children affected by adverse early life experiences.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding neurodevelopmental impacts through similar methodologies, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.