What’s the NURTURE Study All About?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism occurs in about 1 in 31 (3.2%) children. Research also shows that about 1 in 5 infants who have a sibling with an autism diagnosis will also receive an autism diagnosis.
By monitoring development during the first three years of life, researchers can compare how babies with a family history of autism grow and learn alongside those without such a history. This helps us better understand the many different ways early development can unfold.
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Families who take part in sibling (or other family member) autism research receive enhanced developmental monitoring of their child, while also contributing valuable knowledge about early development and the factors—like genetics and environment—that may shape it.
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The NURTURE Study was created by a team of researchers, clinicians, and families who share a common goal: to better understand how babies grow, learn, and connect with the world around them—especially during the very first years of life.
This study builds on years of research showing that development can look different for each baby, especially those who have an older sibling with autism. We know that all babies grow in their own unique ways, and we believe those differences are important to understand, support, and celebrate.
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With the help of families like yours, we’re learning more about early development—things like communication, play, movement, and attention—so we can better recognize and support the many paths children take as they grow.
NURTURE isn’t just about gathering information. It’s about partnering with families, learning from babies, and helping shape a future where all children are supported in ways that fit who they are.
Behind the NURTURE Study:
What You Might Be Wondering
We know that joining a research study is a big decision, and families often have thoughtful questions about what we do and why it matters. Here’s a look at what guides our work and how your family fits into it.
Why families are important to this research?
The NURTURE Study is built around families like yours because you know your baby best. When you share your time, questions, and experiences with us, you help researchers understand how babies grow and learn in everyday life. Your family’s story helps make research more real, more meaningful, and more helpful for other families in the future.
Why early observation matters:
Big changes start with small moments.
Babies grow and change quickly and sometimes the earliest signs of how they’re learning or communicating are easy to miss. That’s why we pay close attention from the very beginning. Watching development early doesn’t mean something is wrong - it means we get a fuller picture of how each baby is learning in their own way.
Why we focus on the early years:
The first few years are full of wonder.
In this short window of time, babies’ brains grow faster than at any other point in life. These early months lay the foundation for how children play, talk, and connect with others. By learning more about these early stages, we can better understand how to support every baby’s growth, right from the start.
How this research helps shape the future
Your family's involvement makes a difference.
By taking part in the NURTURE Study, you’re helping us learn things that could make the road a little easier for other families in the future. The insights we gather together can lead to better support for babies, more helpful tools for doctors and teachers, and a deeper understanding of how to meet each child’s unique needs. What we learn with your help can grow into something that supports many others for years to come.
