ECHO Autism Research
Autism
The ECHO Program’s nationwide research network follows more than 64,000 children and families from pregnancy and birth through adolescence. It allows investigators to study a wide range of children to understand better the factors that may influence the development of autism-related traits, including in those without a diagnosis.
Resources
Visit these government sites to learn more about chemical exposure initiatives.
QUESTIONS
For information or to request an interview, contact the ECHO Program Coordinating Center echocc@dm.duke.edu.
If you are not a member of the media, but have a general inquiry, please contact NIHKidsandEnvironment@od.nih.gov.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition affecting social interaction, communication, learning, and behavior. In 2020, an estimated 1 in 36 8-year-old children had ASD. It is nearly four times more common in boys than girls and occurs across all racial and ethnic groups. ECHO researchers examine various potential influences, including prenatal diet, chemical exposures, biological factors, and gestational and postpartum conditions.
What We're Learning
Since its launch, the ECHO Program has published more than 2,200 research articles on a wide range of child health topics. Within this body of work, many studies have examined autism spectrum disorder and autism-related traits.
Here are some research highlights:
Exposure to Common Type of Pesticide During Pregnancy Was Not Linked to Autism-Related Traits in Children
August 24, 2026
Higher prenatal exposure to common organophosphate pesticides was not associated with an increase in autism-related social and behavioral traits in children.
Exposure to Metals During Pregnancy May Be Linked to Autism-Related Traits in Children
July 21, 2026
Exposure to higher levels of certain metals in mothers’ blood during pregnancy was linked to a slight increase in autism-related traits and higher odds of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in children.
Fertility Challenges May Be Associated With Slight Differences in Child Behavior and Autism-like Symptoms, ECHO Study Finds
June 1, 2026
Difficulty conceiving a pregnancy may be associated with small differences in children’s learning and behavior.
Perceived Stress During Pregnancy Associated with Autism-related Traits in Children, ECHO Study Finds
March 2, 2026
Higher perceived stress during pregnancy was associated with slightly more severe autism-related traits in children.
Prenatal Exposure to Air Pollution Associated with Higher Risk for Autism-related Outcomes, ECHO Study Finds
June 2025
Higher prenatal exposure to ozone, fine particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide was linked to increased autism-related traits and ASD risk.
Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphate Esters Associated with Increased Autism-Related Outcomes, ECHO Study Finds
June 2025
Prenatal exposure to certain flame-retardant chemicals was modestly linked to autism-related traits and diagnosis in children.