Autism & Infant Development Research Study
Researchers at the Marcus Autism Center and Emory University are conducting a study on early infant social development to better understand how children grow, learn, and communicate.
Fast Facts
Pregnant Women or Those Within 4 Months Postpartum
Infant (or Expected Infant) Has a Family History of Autism, Including Siblings, Parents, Aunts, Uncles, etc.
Compensation Provided
Conducted in
Atlanta, GA
Study Background
We aim to better understand how babies look, listen, and learn in their first months of life, especially in families with a history of autism.
Our Nurture Study is a collaboration between Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. This study aims to deepen our understanding of infant development by following your baby for the first three years of their life, with a focus on children who have a family history of autism, as they are at an elevated likelihood of developing 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 of brain activity while interacting with caregivers
- Recordings made in your home to explore language development.
Clinical assessment, eye tracking and EEG study visits will take place at the Marcus Autism Center and MRI visits take place at our imaging center at Emory University. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule for all visits and free childcare for siblings is available.
Families who participate will be compensated for their time and will be able to receive feedback on their baby’s development and referrals to services as needed.
For more information please contact Megan Dunlevy at 404-785-4584 or megan.dunlevy@emory.edu
Study Background
We aim to better understand how babies look, listen, and learn in their first months of life, especially in families with a history of autism.
Our Nurture Study is a collaboration between Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. This study aims to deepen our understanding of infant development by following your baby for the first three years of their life, with a focus on children who have a family history of autism, as they are at an elevated likelihood of developing 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 of brain activity while interacting with caregivers
- Recordings made in your home to explore language development.
Clinical assessment, eye tracking and EEG study visits will take place at the Marcus Autism Center and MRI visits take place at our imaging center at Emory University. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule for all visits and free childcare for siblings is available.
Families who participate will be compensated for their time and will be able to receive feedback on their baby’s development and referrals to services as needed.
For more information please contact Megan Dunlevy at 404-785-4584 or megan.dunlevy@emory.edu
Additional Information
This study aims to understand how infants with a family history of autism develop social, visual, and communication skills from birth through early childhood. By learning more about these earliest behaviors, researchers hope to improve early detection and support for children at risk of ASD.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant women or those within 4 months postpartum
- Infant (or expected infant) has a family history of autism, including siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, etc.
If eligible, your family may take part in several types of visits:
Eye-tracking sessions: Your baby will watch short videos while researchers measure where your baby looks.
MRI scans: Safe, non-invasive brain imaging will be done while your baby sleeps, scheduled around their usual nap time.
Clinical assessments: Starting around 9 months, your child may receive developmental assessments from expert clinicians.
Vocal recordings: You’ll receive a special onesie and recorder to capture your baby’s natural babbling at home.
Families are compensated for each study activity: $20 per eye-tracking session, $50 per MRI scan, and $20 per vocal recording, with total possible earnings of up to $1,350. Additional support such as scheduling flexibility and assistance with transportation may be available to help make participation convenient for your family.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.