What are we investigating in the Baby BIBS study?
We are examining brain function and behavior in early infancy in order to identify the earliest predictors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delay.
Our research will help us to:
Explain the brain mechanisms underlying delays or differences in early development.
Improve early screening for ASD.
Steer infants towards early intervention at a younger age.
The UCLA Baby BIBS project is part of an Autism Center of Excellent (ACE) grant funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), one of only three ACE grants in the US. The ACE supports research using brain imaging technology to chart brain development among individuals having genes suspected of contributing to ASD. The ultimate goal is to link genetic variants to distinct patterns of brain development, structure and function in ASD.
Who is eligible?
We are actively recruiting families to participate in our study. Eligible infants meet one of the following criteria:
a) sibling of a child diagnosed with autism,
b) clinically confirmed diagnosis of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex,
c) clinically confirmed diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion or duplication syndrome, or
d) sibling of a child with typical development and has no family history of autism.
What does participation in the study involve?
The study involves visits to UCLA at 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. We study brain development in the first year of life using a variety of techniques including Electroencephalography (EEG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The visits will also include developmental assessments (DA) administered by trained UCLA clinicians. Additionally, we want to learn more about how genes affect the development of autism, so we are also gathering genetic material, or DNA, from infants in this study to understand the role of genetic factors in different brain patterns. We will evaluate the link between genes, brain imaging and the earliest behavioral signs of autism to identify early markers of autism and to understand why developmental outcomes might differ across high risk infants.
EEG
EEG measures brain waves to help us learn about how the brain functions and changes during early development. Your baby will wear a soft, flexible cap while listening to sounds and watching pictures or videos on a computer screen.
MRI
MRI measures brain structure and activity using a magnetic field. During the scan, your baby will be asleep. The MRI will take pictures of your baby’s brain while asleep and listening to sounds.
Developmental assessments (DA)
Developmental assessments will be administered by trained UCLA clinicians and will examine motor, language, social communication, and adaptive skills, sensory processing abilities, and general development.
Study Timeline
What are the benefits of participating?
Written feedback on your child's performance on the developmental assessments from UCLA clinicians.
Infants showing early signs of autism will be referred for possible participation in an early intervention study led by Dr. Connie Kasari or Shafali Jeste.
$50 per visit for participating in this study.
Increased knowledge into brain and social skills development in the first year of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive feedback on my infant's development?
Yes, you will receive written feedback on your child's performance on the developmental assessments from UCLA clinicians. If there are any concerns about your child’s development, the clinicians will provide recommendations and guidance for next steps. Children showing early signs of autism will be referred for possible participation in an early intervention study led by Dr. Connie Kasari.
What is EEG?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to measure the electrical activity of the brain. We use this tool to see if your child's brain activity changes with intervention! Our nets fit like a swim cap, and they take about 5-10 minutes to apply. EEG is painless and noninvasive, and while the electrodes may feel strange, they only record activity and do not produce any sensation or electricity.
What is MRI and how does it work?
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a way of obtaining detailed images of the brain without the need for x-rays or "ionizing" radiation. Instead, MRI uses a magnetic field, radio waves, rapidly changing magnetic fields, and a computer to create images of the brain. We do not use sedation or anesthesia. Instead, we use bedtime routines to help infants fall asleep naturally.
For the MRI procedure, the infant is placed inside of the MR scanner—a large doughnut-shaped device that is open on both ends. An MRI examination causes no pain, and the electromagnetic fields produce no known tissue damage of any kind. The MR scanner may make loud tapping, knocking, or other noises at times during the procedure. We use multiple forms of hearing protection to prevent problems that may be associated with this noise. At all times, your infant will be monitored for movement, waking or signs of distress, and you will be able to communicate with the MR scanner operator.
Does MRI use x-rays or radiation?
No. The MRI does not use x-rays or "ionizing" radiation. Instead, MRI uses a magnetic field, radio waves, rapidly changing magnetic fields, and a computer to create images of the brain.
Will my baby be sedated for the MRI?
No. Your baby will be naturally asleep in the scanner. You will have time at the lab to get your baby to sleep using their typical bedtime routine. Once asleep, swaddled infants will be transferred to the scanner bed by you or a member of the study team if you are unable to be in the scan room.
If my infant has had a clinical EEG or MRI, do they still need to complete the research EEG or MRI?
Yes, we have a very specific protocol for studying the brain with our experimental measures. Our reserach EEG and MRI are different from the clinical tests.