Perinatal neurodevelopment and the likelihood of autism or related traits in later life

Autism is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition thought to be attributed to atypical patterns of perinatal neurodevelopment and brain growth. While many biological factors, such as genetic variants or prenatal protein levels, have been independently associated with the condition's likelihood and with related behavioural traits, they are often studied in isolation. As a result, it remains unclear if and how they may converge on specific aspects of brain growth, neuronal maturation, and signalling during early life. For this reason, this study will seek to integrate perinatal MRI data with known autism predictors, such as gene variants, sex differences, and pregnancy complications, in order to predict the earliest behavioural traits related to the condition after 18 months of age. Particular emphasis will be placed on sex differences, given consistent reports of male vulnerability during perinatal life and infant cognitive development. Methodologies will include both hypothesis-driven and data-driven approaches, as well as the use of previously published data to guide analytical decisions. In summary, the study will assess multiple perinatal variables in association with later autistic traits, with an emphasis on identifying brain-based patterns that may act as mediators and converging points for autism pathophysiology.