Autism risk and exposures/biomarkers measured during the pre-, peri-, and neonatal periods: 
a baby sibs pilot investigation

The Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Epidemiology (CADDE) at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at the Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) are starting an exciting research study.  The study will look at environmental factors and substances in the body to see whether they are associated with an increased risk in the development of autism.  It is hoped that this study will help plan for future studies and ultimately help to better understand the genetic and environmental factors that cause autism.  Eligible participants are mothers who are in their 22^nd week of pregnancy or earlier who already have a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  The study will follow these moms through their pregnancy.  Moms are asked to bring their child with ASD to KKI for a play-based assessment, to complete a number of questionnaires, and a biweekly diary.  They are also asked to come into the clinic once per trimester to collect samples such as blood, hair, and saliva.  At delivery the following will be collected: blood from the umbilical cord, blood from the newborn heel stick, and the placenta.  If a mom is interested, when her baby reaches age two, he or she will be evaluated at CARD.  The 2-year developmental evaluation is not required to participate in the study. To learn more about what is involved in the study, please visit the following link.

Do you have a child with ASD?  Are you currently no more than 22 weeks pregnant?  Do you want to be a part of this exciting research?  If so, please contact CADDE at 1-877-868-8014 or cadde@jhsph.edu.