ABC-CT Pre-School Feasibility Study

Eligibility Criteria

• 1. Children (regardless of biological sex) Age 3 - 5. Participants must be able to complete the study before turning 6.
• 2. Written parental permission will be obtained prior to any study procedures. Child verbal assent will be obtained.
• 3. IQ 60-150 (ASD) and 80-150 (TD) as assessed by the Differential Ability Scales - 2nd Edition or developmental level via Mullen Scales of Early Learning Composite (ELC).
• 4. Participant and parent/guardian must be English speaking.
• 1. Diagnosis of ASD based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the BOSA or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and short form (ADI-R) scored age appropriately. Diagnostic evaluations will be completed by research staff and supervised by a licensed psychologist.
• 2. If parents are biological, a minimum of the child and one parent will be required to consent to the blood draw procedure. It is preferred that the child and both biological parents participate in the blood draw procedure. The inability to obtain blood samples will not be exclusionary.
• 1. Known genetic or neurological syndrome with an established link to autism (in addition to ASD for ASD participants)
• 1. This does not include events in which the link to ASD is less well known/established (e.g., 16p11.2 CNVs, CHD8 mutations, Trisomy 21, 22q deletion syndrome, Dup 15q Syndrome).
• 2. Specific cases will be discussed with the clinical team who will make a final determination, as needed.
• 2. History of epilepsy or seizure disorder
• 3. Motor or sensory impairment that would interfere with the valid completion of study measures including significant hearing or vision impairment not correctable by a hearing aid or glasses/contact lenses. Children who wear bifocal or progressive lenses are not eligible.
• 4. Children who are taking neurological or psychiatric medications that are not stable on prescription or dose for 8 weeks prior to D1.
• 5. History of significant prenatal/perinatal/birth injury as defined by birth \<36 weeks AND weight \<2000 grams (approximately 4.5.lbs).
• 6. History of neonatal brain damage. (e.g., with diagnosed hypoxic or ischemic event).
• 7. Any other factor that the investigator feels would make assessment or measurement performance invalid.
• 1. Any known environmental circumstances that is likely to account for the picture of autism in the proband (severe nutritional or psychological deprivation etc.)
• 1. Known historical diagnosis of ASD or a sibling with ASD.
• 2. Criteria score in the ASD range on the BOSA/ADOS
• 3. Active psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.) and/or any current treatment (medication or other treatment) for a psychiatric condition.
• 1. Participants will be screened using the (ECI-5 or CSI-4). Due to the instrument's high sensitivity and potential for false positives, any score in the clinical range will be reviewed by research staff for determination of eligibility.