Our Research Studies
Brain Development in Autism: Infant Sibling Study
This study of very early brain development in autism has the potential to provide important clues relevant to early detection of autism and to discover the early changes in the brains of young children with autism.
Past family studies have found that siblings of a person with autism are at a higher risk for having an autism spectrum disorder than members of the general population. Most recently, results from MRI studies of brain development in 2-year-olds showed that brain enlargement is already present at a young age in children with autism. The data collected suggest that brain overgrowth may begin as early as 12 months of age, if not earlier. This current project aims to identify very early brain features that may be characteristic of infants at risk for autism.
We are currently enrolling newborn to 12-month-old children who have at least one sibling who has been diagnosed with autism. Additionally, we are enrolling infant siblings up to 12 months of age of typically developing children.
Participants will receive developmental and behavioral assessments, an MRI scan of the brain, and referrals for local services. Participants will be reimbursed for travel and related expenses. Assessments and MRI scans associated with the project are provided at no cost to the family.