Project Description

Early Markers is a project designed to identify characteristics that may be associated with development of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in infant siblings of children with ASD. These babies are at-risk for ASD because they have an older sibling with ASD, such as autism, Asperger syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. While many of these at-risk infants will be typically developing, a minority will themselves develop ASD. Following confirmation of the older sibling’s ASD diagnosis, participants receive ongoing developmental evaluation at the Speech-Language-Hearing Center at UNH at 6, 12 and 18 months of age. Evaluations focus on communication, social emotional, and sensory motor development. Additionally, naturalistic parent-child interactions are videotaped in the family’s home at 6, 12 and 18 months of age to better understand development in the “real world”. Children are again evaluated at 30 months of age to monitor developmental outcome as well as possible symptoms of ASD. Families receive feedback as well as a written report following each clinic visit. When concerns are evident, referrals to early supports and services are provided.
Families report that their involvement in the Early Markers project can help alleviate their concerns through careful monitoring of thie infant and also provide access to the earliest possible services when necessary. It is hoped that improving our understanding of developmental differences in infants and toddlers who are later diagnosed with ASD will lead to earlier identification of ASD as well as earlier access to supports and services for all families in our community. Families with a child with ASD as well as an infant under the age of one year are currently being recruited for participation. If interested, please contact Shelley Mulligan at 603 862-3528 or by email at shelley.mulligan@unh.edu

Autism National Committee (Autcom) Bookstore

Founded in 1990, this is the only national autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism" through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and related differences of communication and behavior. The Institute on Disability's Resource Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders is pleased to host a bookstore promoting cutting edge resources written for, and by, individuals with autism, their families, and supportive professionals.

For a complete listing of resources, visit: http://iodserver.unh.edu/iodbookstore/

To visit the Autism National Committee (Autcom) website, click here

To place an order by phone, call: (800) 378-0386

Project Staff & Contacts

Michelle Sullivan, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, 603 862-4320, michelle.sullivan@unh.edu

Shelley Mulligan, Ph.D., OT Faculty, 603 862-3528, shelley.mulligan@unh.edu

Rae Sonnenmeier, Ph.D., Comm Dis Faculty, 603 862-1860, raes@cisunix.unh.edu

Links and Other Resources

Interactive Collaborative Autism Network

Asperger's Association of New England

Autism Society of New Hampshire

Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation

Jay Nolan Community Services

The Autism Acceptance Project

Paula Kluth