Autism is a neurobiological disorder characterized by some or all of the following:
To date there is no known cure or cause for autism, despite its increasing prevalence over the past twenty years. It is estimated that 1:91 children are currently diagnosed, with a predominance of males being affected. Although many have questioned the reason for this increase, the tremendous impact this disability has on individuals, their loved ones, and our community is unquestionable. These challenges include:
When these issues are not addressed, they can lead to social, emotional, financial, and familial demise.
Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders have risen to nearly 1 in 110 U.S. children, and the exact causes are still unknown. But a special subset of mothers can help researchers in their quest to find out what's causing ASDs. The need for collaboration between parents and researchers is imperative to help understand what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control calls "an urgent public health concern."
A $16.5 million, 10-year study – funded by the federal government and a supplement from Autism Speaks – is recruiting mothers who have a biological child with an ASD and who are newly pregnant or are considering getting pregnant. The study, called EARLI (Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation), will explore possible genetic and environmental links to autism, beginning in pregnancy continuing through the baby's early development. The observational study is minimally invasive; researchers simply want to collect data on these pregnancies and babies. Some of the samples researchers seek are blood, hair and dust from the home. Most of the study is conducted by phone, mail or home visit.
Researchers need the help of these important families, who can offer invaluable clues to the causes of autism. In addition to making a lasting contribution to science, mothers and fathers can be reassured that their babies will be clinically assessed through the study until age 3, giving parents a chance to seek early intervention if a developmental delay is suspected. Families also will be compensated for their cooperation, up to a total $605 over four years.
EARLI, which will be recruiting through at least 2014, will follow each family for approximately four years. A major undertaking, the study is being conducted through four research institutions, led by Drexel University in Philadelphia, with collaboration by Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, the University of California-Davis and Kaiser Permanente in northern California.
EARLI is inviting the help of up to 1,200 pregnant women who live near the four study locations. Here in Maryland, women who live within 2 hours of Baltimore are eligible. While these families are experiencing the excitement of a new life, they also can be leaving a scientific legacy for generations to come.
To find out more about EARLI, including how to enroll, please email EARLI@jhsph.edu, call toll-free 1-877-868-8014, or visit www.earlistudy.org
Below are links to recent media articles about EARLI:
WBAL TV
Baltimore Sun magazine
Baltimore Afro-American
