Perinatal Autism Genetics and Epigenetics Study

The University of Iowa's Center for Disabilities and Development is researching how pregnancy, early childhood experiences, and genetic factors influence child development, with a focus on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pregnant women are invited to participate in a study that tracks their pregnancy and child's early development, through simple, at-home activities using a cell phone. Participants complete short questionnaires, join an online interview, and videotape their baby's play after birth. They are also sent a kit to swab their baby's mouth to collect cheek cells for genetic testing. The study will explore whether stress and early social experience lead to genetic changes associated with autism or other developmental conditions.

NCT Number	NCT07738003
Lead Sponsor	University of Iowa Collaborators: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Conditions	Autism Disorders and Maternal Stress, Development Delay, Prenatal Stress, Social Behavior
Enrollment	7,200 participants
Start Date	2026-05-12
Primary Completion	2029-05 (estimated)
Study Completion	2030-05 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-08-03