Infant Prospective Study
This study examines the development of social skills in typically developing infants as well as in infants who are at risk for specific delays or autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We assess the infants' speech, language, and communication, as well as their cognitive, social, motor, and adaptive skills. We also study the way
babies process information about people, recognize faces, and attend to speech sounds. This research will lead to a better understanding of mechanisms underlying social disorders as well as the development of new methods for early diagnosis and treatment of ASD in infants and toddlers.
Who will be studied?
- 0 to 3 month-old newborns that have an older sibling with ASD
- 0 to 3 month-old newborns, with or without siblings, with or without significant pre- or perinatal complications
What is the time commitment?
Babies are enrolled prior to birth or as newborns, and are followed by the research team until they reach 24 or 36 months of age. Depending upon time of enrollment, we may see your baby 10 to 16 times.
What does the study involve?
At each visit, your baby will view objects and people on a computer screen, as well as watch several short videos and listen to various speech and speech-like sounds. As your baby gets older, the visits will include developmental and language assessments, as well as diagnostic play sessions. Parents complete questionnaires and interviews regarding their child's development and adaptive behavior.
What are the benefits of being in this study to my family?
Parents of children with identified developmental delays will have the opportunity to discuss the findings with a clinician and when necessary, will receive a report documenting the assessment results. The clinicians will follow the child’s progress throughout their time in the study and offer support and direction when appropriate. In addition, as a token of our appreciation, all families will be compensated for their time.
How can I get more information?
For further information, details and to discuss enrollment, please contact Beth Asher, Project Coordinator, at
beth.asher@choa.org or 404-785-9473. If you would like to be contacted about this study, please click
here.
