What is our team researching?
The Attachment and Neurodevelopment Lab at the University of Iowa studies how early parent-child relationships and experiences influence brain development, with a focus on autism, maternal behavior, and the effects of early adversity. We use tools like fMRI, genetic analysis, and a mobile app to collect data and develop interventions that support child development and maternal caregiving.
Active Studies
PAGES Study
This study explores how prenatal stress and early life experiences influence epigenetic changes tied to social development in hopes of improving early intervention strategies.
Pilot Projects
This study tests the effectiveness of TELE-ASD-PEDS, a remote autism evaluation tool used with parents, to improve access to early diagnosis via telehealth.
AGES Study
This study investigates how early social experiences interact with genetic risk to shape neurodevelopment in toddlers.
Previous Studies
Oxytocin and Maternal Addiction
This study, currently under analysis, examines the effect of intranasal oxytocin in maternal brain reward and stress activation, and how mothers’ brain and behavioral responses are associated with the development of secure attachment in their own children. The goal of this research is to contribute to the discovery of novel treatments for mothers with drug dependency and addiction.
Measuring Social-Visual Engagement in Autism Spectrum Disorder
This multi-center research study investigated novel eye-tracking methods to assess autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children ages 2.5 to 7 years, using advanced technology to measure participants' visual engagement with social stimuli during a single clinical visit. Sponsored by EarliTec Diagnostics, the study aimed to develop objective behavioral biomarkers to support earlier and more accurate ASD diagnosis while contributing to the scientific understanding of social-visual patterns in ASD. Participating families received compensation for their valuable contribution to this important diagnostic research that helped advance tools for identifying and understanding autism.
Come back soon to learn about findings!
Epigenetics & Autism Spectrum Disorder
DNA Methylation
Methylation can silence or activate genes. Abnormal methylation patterns have been observed in ASD, affecting genes related to brain development, synaptic function, and immune responses.
Examples: The MECP2 gene (linked to Rett syndrome, a condition related to ASD) and the OXTR gene (oxytocin receptor, involved in social behavior).
Histone Modification
Histones help package DNA into chromatin. Modifications (e.g., acetylation, methylation) influence gene expression.
Studies suggest that ASD-related genes show atypical histone modifications, potentially affecting neural connectivity and plasticity.
Non-Coding RNAs (e.g., microRNAs, lncRNAs)
These molecules regulate gene expression by silencing or activating certain genes.
Altered microRNA profiles have been found in ASD individuals, particularly those involved in neurodevelopment.
Environmental Influences on Epigenetics and Autism
Prenatal Factors: Maternal stress, infection, exposure to toxins (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals), or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., folate) may lead to epigenetic changes affecting autism risk.
Parental Age: Advanced maternal and paternal age have been linked to altered epigenetic markers in sperm and eggs.
Early Life Exposures: Diet, pollution, and medications can modify epigenetic patterns during early brain development.
