Pregnancy & Child Autism Research Study
Our research study at the Queens College, City University of New York is interested in the role that sleep plays in perception and cognition in young children with a family history of autism spectrum disorders.
Fast Facts
Pregnant or Have a Newborn Less than 3 Months Old
Have an Older Child Diagnosed with ASD
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Queens, NY
Study Background
Our research study is examining sleep in children and its role in development.
If you watch your baby sleep, you may notice little movements even though they are still asleep. Your baby’s sensorimotor system is hard at work learning how to move and experience the world around them. In this study, we want to measure the brainwaves and movements of sleeping babies to see what that tells us about their cognitive development.
We’re specifically looking for babies who have an older sibling with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is because children who have a sibling with ASD have a greater chance of having ASD themselves. We aim to find out whether there are any patterns in brain activity during sleep that could predict how a child’s brain will develop later on.
The information gained from your family’s participation may help researchers understand more about sleep and sensorimotor functioning, and it is possible that others might benefit in the future from your child’s contribution.
Study Background
Our research study is examining sleep in children and its role in development.
If you watch your baby sleep, you may notice little movements even though they are still asleep. Your baby’s sensorimotor system is hard at work learning how to move and experience the world around them. In this study, we want to measure the brainwaves and movements of sleeping babies to see what that tells us about their cognitive development.
We’re specifically looking for babies who have an older sibling with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is because children who have a sibling with ASD have a greater chance of having ASD themselves. We aim to find out whether there are any patterns in brain activity during sleep that could predict how a child’s brain will develop later on.
The information gained from your family’s participation may help researchers understand more about sleep and sensorimotor functioning, and it is possible that others might benefit in the future from your child’s contribution.
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to better understand the role of brain processes during infant sleep and child development.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- You have a newborn less than 3 months old OR you are currently pregnant
- You have an older child who has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Our longitudinal research study takes up to 3 years. The research includes study procedures at 5 sessions: during a session in your home at 1 month of age, and during additional sessions as your baby grows.
- Home session: We will measure brainwave and movement recordings while your baby sleeps, as well as collect additional information via questionnaires.
- Study sessions: We will ask your child to participate in interactive play-like sessions and assessments at 6, 12, 18, and 36 months of age.
We will give you $100 in cash for your and your child’s time during the home session at 1 month of age and for doing the measures and questionnaires. You will receive $30 in cash at each session at 6-mo, 12-mo, and 18- mo. A $50 prepaid gift card is given for the last session at 36-mo. If your older child with an ASD participates in an ADOS assessment, he or she will get a $10 gift card. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
