Brain Imaging and Infant Development

What this Trial Is About

The Brain Imaging in Babies Study (BIBS) aims to better understand how a baby's brain develops from before birth up to 3 to 4 years old. It includes children from diverse backgrounds and uses advanced tools like MRI scans along with behavioral assessments to gather early information on infant brain development. The study also seeks to identify early brain features that might help predict if a child will develop traits of conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Since 2020, the study has included testing for COVID-19 in mothers and babies to explore how infections affect development. This observational study involves pregnant mothers with and without confirmed COVID-19 and their infants, including those with and without a family history of ASD or neurodevelopmental conditions. The study uses safe MRI scanning, which produces detailed brain images without X-rays. Participants are based in England, UK, and the study welcomes a broad range of participants to capture diverse developmental data. Participants will undergo MRI scans and behavioral assessments to evaluate brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes by 3 to 4 years of age. The research team monitors children's development over time, including COVID-19-related factors in mothers and babies. The study continues to collect data until 2028 to provide long-term insights into early brain growth and developmental conditions.

Brain Imaging in Babies Study