UW News
Tanya St. John
May 7, 2020
Sleep difficulties in the first year of life linked to altered brain development in infants who later develop autism
![Baby sits on mom's lap](https://uw-s3-cdn.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/05/01160136/autism-sleep-study-infant-150x150.png)
New research led by the University of Washington finds that sleep problems in a baby’s first 12 months may not only precede an autism diagnosis, but also may be associated with altered growth trajectory in a key part of the brain, the hippocampus.
April 25, 2017
With autism diagnoses on the rise, UW establishes clinic for babies
![Research scientist Tanya St. John works with a baby at the University of Washington Autism Center.](https://uw-s3-cdn.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2017/04/04142014/autism-infant-clinic-2-150x150.png)
To new parents, a baby’s every gurgle and glance are fascinating, from a smile at mom or dad to a reach for a colorful toy. But when a baby doesn’t look at parents and caregivers, imitate gestures and sounds, or engage in play, parents have questions. And a growing number are bringing their babies to…