What does this study entail? 
The purpose of this research study is to find better ways to treat and diagnose infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and improve long-term outcome. Certain genetic markers in adults who need narcotics to control pain or withdrawal are associated with more severe withdrawal and need for more medicine to control symptoms. This is research study is designed to find out if this is also true in babies, so doctors will know which infants are at highest risk for complications from NAS. Additionally, excessive crying and a high pitch cry are a sign and symptom of NAS. In this study we will investigate both genetic markers and cry acoustics in babies exposed to narcotics during pregnancy. 

You may be eligible to participate if you:

1. Deliver after at least 37 weeks of pregnancy
2. Received methadone, buprenorphine or another daily pain medication from a licensed physician or drug treatment program during pregnancy
3. Received adequate prenatal care

 For more information, contact us via email or by calling (401) 430-8984.

The goal of this study is to learn about how behaviors observed in newborns relate to meeting developmental milestones during the first years of life.

You can participate if you are soon becoming a parent to an infant born at Women & Infants Hospital, and someone in your immediate family has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (Autism, ASD, Aspergers, PDD-NOS), or if there is concern that a family member might have an ASD. ​

Contact our study team or call (401) 453-7637 for more information.