Understanding how environment and development affect individuals with autism over time

Trajectories and Environments in Autism: a Multi-cohort Study (TEAMS) following autism families in ECHO Phase 2

NIH-funded research Drexel University · NIH-11319098

This project follows children with autism and their families to learn how environmental factors and development shape their experiences from childhood into adulthood.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDrexel University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11319098 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common condition diagnosed in childhood, affecting individuals in many different ways. We know that both genetics and environmental factors, such as air pollution and certain nutrients, play a role in how autism develops. This project continues to follow children who were part of an earlier study, tracking their development through the important stages of adolescence and early adulthood. Our goal is to understand how early life exposures to things like air pollution and diet might together influence how neurodevelopment unfolds for these individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This project is continuing to follow children with autism and their families who were part of a previous study, focusing on their development through adolescence and early adulthood.

Not a fit: Patients not currently enrolled in the existing ECHO Phase-1 cohort would not be able to participate in this specific follow-up project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This work could help us better understand how environmental factors influence autism over time, potentially leading to new ways to support individuals with ASD.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon successful prior efforts in the ECHO program that have already helped harmonize data and develop measures for autism research.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.