The Study to Explore Early Development (SEED): a multisite epidemiologic study of autism by the Centers for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology (CADDRE) network

J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Oct;42(10):2121-40. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1461-8.

Abstract

The Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), a multisite investigation addressing knowledge gaps in autism phenotype and etiology, aims to: (1) characterize the autism behavioral phenotype and associated developmental, medical, and behavioral conditions and (2) investigate genetic and environmental risks with emphasis on immunologic, hormonal, gastrointestinal, and sociodemographic characteristics. SEED uses a case-control design with population-based ascertainment of children aged 2-5 years with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children in two control groups-one from the general population and one with non-ASD developmental problems. Data from parent-completed questionnaires, interviews, clinical evaluations, biospecimen sampling, and medical record abstraction focus on the prenatal and early postnatal periods. SEED is a valuable resource for testing hypotheses regarding ASD characteristics and causes.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Autistic Disorder / etiology
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developmental Disabilities / epidemiology*
  • Developmental Disabilities / etiology
  • Developmental Disabilities / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Phenotype
  • Prevalence
  • Surveys and Questionnaires