Observing the Development of Social Behaviors and Brain Connections in Infants at High and Low Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the development of prosocial behaviors and brain network connections in infants and toddlers who are at high or low risk for autism spectrum disorder ASD. This observational study aims to understand how these behaviors and brain functions differ between children with and without a family history of ASD. The study follows participants from infancy through toddlerhood to observe developmental changes over time. Participants are divided into two groups those with older siblings diagnosed with ASD high-risk group and those without such siblings or family history low-risk group. The study does not involve any treatments or interventions. Instead, it monitors natural development and brain activity at multiple time points 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months of age. Clinical diagnosis for ASD is made at 24 months or later using established criteria. During the study, infants and toddlers undergo a series of developmental and social communication assessments, including the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, and the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist. Brain activity is measured using resting-state EEG and MRI scans performed while the child is naturally asleep. Researchers will review clinical diagnosis, neurodevelopmental outcomes, prosocial behaviors, MRI results, and event-related potentials at specified ages to understand developmental trajectories. Participation may last up to three years with regular assessments throughout this period.

Development of Prosocial Behaviors and Related Brain Network in Infants of High and Low Risk of ASD