Understanding how genetic risk information for autism affects parents
Project 2: Psychosocial impact of autism genetic risk information on parents
This study is looking at how parents feel and cope after finding out their newborn has a higher chance of autism, by checking in with them right after they get the news and again a year later to see how their emotions and relationships change over time.
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-10916385 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the psychosocial effects on parents who learn that their newborn has an elevated genetic risk for autism. By surveying parents immediately after they receive this information and again after one year, the study aims to assess changes in their emotions, relationships, and future expectations. The goal is to understand how this genetic information influences parents' experiences and decisions during the critical early years of their child's life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are parents of newborns who have undergone genetic testing indicating an elevated risk for autism.
Not a fit: Parents of children who do not undergo genetic testing or those whose children are not identified as at genetic risk for autism may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help families better navigate the emotional and relational challenges that arise from receiving genetic risk information for autism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that genetic information can significantly impact family dynamics and parental decision-making, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Appelbaum, Paul Stuart — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Appelbaum, Paul Stuart
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.