EARLI Autism Pregnancy Study

The Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI Study) is a national research study recruiting mothers who have a biological child on the autism spectrum and who are newly pregnant or are considering getting pregnant. EARLI 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. The babies born during the study 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 Here in Maryland, women who live in Baltimore city and the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's are eligible. To find out more about EARLI, including how to enroll, please see www.earlistudy.org. You do not need to be currently pregnant to enroll.

Posted by request from the outreach coordinator for this study at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This post does not constitute an endorsement by AutMont of the study. Please research opportunities such as this prior to enrolling.