Using MRI to predict autism in infants before symptoms appear
Official title: MRI Based Presymptomatic Prediction of ASD
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11057230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find signs of autism in babies who have an older sibling with autism, using special brain scans to help spot the condition early, even before usual signs show up, so that families can get support sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 16, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $687,270 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH118362-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057230 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants under 12 months old who have an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of autism or are older than 12 months may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to detect autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in infants as early as possible, specifically before the typical behavioral signs emerge. By using advanced brain imaging techniques like structural MRI and functional connectivity MRI, the study will analyze infants who have an older sibling with autism, as they are at a higher risk of developing the disorder. The goal is to identify biological markers that can predict ASD diagnosis with high accuracy, allowing for early intervention strategies. This could significantly change how and when autism is diagnosed and treated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention for infants at risk of autism, potentially improving long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using similar brain imaging techniques have shown promising results in predicting autism in high-risk infants.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pruett, John R — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Pruett, John R
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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.