Maternal Biomarkers and Environmental Contributors to Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children of First-time Mothers

Launched by INDIANA UNIVERSITY · Jul 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at how certain chemicals and biological factors in mothers might be linked to autism in their children. Researchers will work with families who took part in an earlier study called nuMoM2b. They plan to include about 200 children diagnosed with autism and 400 children without autism. Using samples of urine and blood that were collected from the mothers during pregnancy and from the umbilical cord at birth, the team will measure exposure to pesticides and other substances to see if these can help predict a child’s risk of developing autism.

To join this study, your child must be part of the nuMoM2b group, and biological samples from the mother must have been collected during pregnancy. If eligible, participants will be asked to complete autism screening surveys, but no new biological samples are needed since the study will use those already collected. The goal is to better understand early signs of autism risk, which could help with earlier diagnosis and support for children and families in the future. The study is not yet recruiting, but families who meet these criteria may be invited to participate when it begins.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • child of nuMoM2b study participant
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • no biological samples collected during pregnancy