Using EEG to predict autism and developmental outcomes in infants

Predicting ASD and Other Developmental Outcomes in the First Year of Life Using EEG in a Diverse Community-Based Sample

NIH-funded research Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10993596

This study is looking at how brain activity in babies as young as three months can help us understand their development and possibly predict autism, especially for families in underserved communities, by tracking their brain patterns during regular check-ups.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10993596 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how EEG patterns in infants can help predict autism and other developmental outcomes by analyzing brain activity as early as three months of age. The study will enroll 720 infants, particularly focusing on those from underserved communities, and will collect EEG data during routine well-baby visits at 4, 9, and 12 months. By evaluating these infants at 24 months using established diagnostic tools, the research aims to identify early biomarkers for autism, potentially leading to earlier interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants aged 0-12 months, particularly those from Black and Hispanic backgrounds living in low-income households.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 12 months or do not belong to the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention for autism, improving long-term outcomes for affected children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using EEG as a biomarker for autism, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 2026-06-13 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.