Infant Emotional Development Study

We are currently recruiting infants for a cutting-edge study on emotional development in early childhood. This study will help us develop better methods for early diagnosis and intervention for behavioral and emotional challenges that many children experience. We are recruiting infants 4 months of age or younger with a family history of autism. Participation will include visits through age 2 ½. Visits include assessment of your baby’s cognitive, adaptive, and language development; studies of attention involving watching videos; and play-based activities to assess your child’s social and emotional development.

• Pregnant mothers with a family history of autism
• Infants 4 months of age and younger with a family history of autism

In this study, parents will learn about their baby’s unique development over the course of infancy. The purpose of the study is to learn more about emotional development in young children with a family history of autism. The study offers developmental monitoring by expert clinical psychologists. The visits are interactive, fun, and family-friendly. Many parents find it interesting to hear about their baby’s development from a professional. Also, parents find it rewarding to contribute to research that will help improve the lives of children with autism and their families. Families receive feedback at the end of the toddler-age visits and have their questions answered. Whenever warranted, a written report of the evaluation results is provided, including recommendations for intervention. This is a longitudinal study with 5 visits spaced out over time. The first visit takes place when the infant is 4 months old followed by visits at age 8, 12, 18, and 30 months. Each visit lasts 2-4 hours.

The purpose of the study is to learn more about emotional development in young children with a family history of autism.