Do you have a child with
autism and a newborn?
Marcus Autism Center is one of the nation’s leading centers for autism care and research. As part of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, our team brings together clinicians, researchers, and families to better understand early child development and improve care for future generations.
Every year, thousands of families partner with Marcus Autism Center for developmental evaluations, research studies, and evidence-based services. Through the Nurture Study, families have the opportunity to contribute to research that helps us learn more about how babies grow, develop, and communicate during the first years of life.
Our research focuses on questions that matter to families, including:
- Understanding early child development
- Improving developmental screening and evaluation
- Discovering new ways to support children and caregivers
- Turning research discoveries into meaningful care for families
Whether you’re joining a research study, attending a developmental visit, or simply learning more about your child’s development, we’re grateful to partner with you!
Fast Facts
The baby must have a sibling, parent, aunt or uncle with a documented autism diagnosis
Expectant mothers and mothers within four months postpartum.
Compensation and childcare will be provided
Conducted in
Atlanta, GA
Additional Information
The NURTURE Study was created by a team of researchers, clinicians, and families who share a common goal: to better understand how babies grow, learn, and connect with the world around them—especially during the very first years of life.
This study builds on years of research showing that development can look different for each baby, especially those who have an older sibling with autism. We know that all babies grow in their own unique ways, and we believe those differences are important to understand, support, and celebrate.
With the help of families like yours, we’re learning more about early development—things like communication, play, movement, and attention—so we can better recognize and support the many paths children take as they grow.
NURTURE isn’t just about gathering information. It’s about partnering with families, learning from babies, and helping shape a future where all children are supported in ways that fit who they are.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
Are pregnant or within 4 months postpartum
Your infant (or expected infant) has a sibling, parent, aunt, or uncle with a documented diagnosis of autism
As part of the study, your baby may participate in:
Clinical assessments to evaluate their social, cognitive, and motor skill development through engaging in play-based activities.
Eye-tracking visits to examine how your baby responds to various stimuli in their environment.
Noninvasive MRI to measure brain growth
Noninvasive EEG to measure brain activity while interacting with caregivers
Recordings made in your home to explore language development.
Yes, compensation is provided
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.