About BASIS

Autism affects up to 1 in 100 children in the UK. Currently, it is very rare that autism is diagnosed earlier than two years of age when symptoms are sufficiently clear. Over the past decades, scientific research has advanced our understanding of the neurobiological basis of autism in older children and adults. By contrast, very little is known about how the condition develops over the first few years. BASIS (British Autism Study of Infant Siblings) is a UK-wide research network studying early autism development. BASIS investigates infants with autistic siblings, aiming to identify early markers for earlier diagnosis and intervention.​

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Aims & Functions

BASIS:

• Provides a national platform for infant autism research.

• Facilitates collaboration among scientists.

• Disseminates information to families and the public.

• Supports affiliated research projects through recruitment, data sharing, and protocol implementation.

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Information for Families

BASIS focuses on infants with autistic siblings, hoping to improve early understanding of autism. While not diagnostic, research aims to enable earlier intervention. If you agree to be part of the BASIS database, we will be able to send you detailed information sheets about future network projects that are available for your baby’s age range, along with the contact details of the researchers conducting the projects. We may also from time to time send you updates, newsletters, or other materials that we feel may be of interest to you. If your child is within the age range for a network project you may be asked to visit one of our research centres on one or more occasions. Ethical approval is from the NHS London Research Ethics Committee, with funding from various charities and the Medical Research Council.

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Who Can Join?

Families with infants (0-9 months) who have an autistic sibling are encouraged to contact BASIS. Other families are welcome to register for future study information.

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How to Get Involved

Contact BASIS via phone or email with family details (contact information  below). Consenting families join the database for study updates. Participation is voluntary, and data is confidential.

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Useful downloads: 

• FAQs​

• BASIS leaflet​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​