The Study to Explore Early Development (SEED): a multi-site epidemiologic study by the Centers for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology (CADDRE) Network

Background: In response to The Children’s Health Act of 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded five Centers for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology (CADDRE) and a CADDRE Data Coordinating Center; CDC participates as a site in the CADDRE Network.

Objectives: The CADDRE Network designed SEED as a collaborative case-cohort study to address critical gaps in our understanding of potential causes of autism. This presentation provides an overview of SEED research goals, study approach and methods, and preliminary data regarding participant recruitment.

Methods: SEED is designed to investigate etiologic hypotheses related to infection/immune function, hormone function, and genetics, in case subgroups refined by autism phenotype; investigation of the roles of gastrointestinal features and socio-demographic factors in autism etiology and phenotypic variation are also primary research goals. Children with autism will be compared to children identified with other developmental problems and a random sample of all birth cohort children. Target enrollment is 2,700 children (ages 24-60 months, born September 2003 through August 2005) who were born in and currently reside in the 6 study site areas.  Protocol development included site-specific advisory boards, parent focus groups, and scientific peer review to review study goals, design, materials, and feasibility.

Results: SEED implementation began December 2007.  Data collection includes: 1) primary caregiver interviews and self-administered questionnaires, 2) medical record abstraction, 3) child developmental evaluation and physical exam, and 4) bio-sampling from biological parents and child. 

Conclusions: SEED is the largest collaborative study of the causes of autism planned to date and will address a critical missing component in autism research: large, representative population-based studies that can answer multiple, high priority questions needed to determine the causes of and develop prevention strategies for this complex disorder.