Study to Explore Early Development (SEED)

What to know

CDC’s Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) helps us learn more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). SEED began in 2007 as one of the largest studies of young children (ages 2–5 years) with ASD in the United States. It looks at their risk factors for ASD and developmental characteristics. In 2021, SEED was expanded to learn more about the health, functioning, and needs of people with ASD and other developmental disabilities as they mature into adolescence and adulthood.

Girl sitting Criss cross applesauce and holding a tablet.

Overview of SEED activities

A diagram of activities for the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), showing the different stages of the study
Overview of activities for CDC's Study to Explore Early Development (SEED)

Learn more about SEED

SEED 1, 2, and 3
A study on children's health and development

SEED Teen
A study on teen health and development

SEED Follow-Up
A study on adolescent and young adult health and development

SEED COVID-19 Impact Assessment
A study on the COVID-19 pandemic's impacts on services, health, and behaviors

SEED Newsletter
CDC newsletters, released twice a year with the latest updates from SEED

SEED Research Findings
Highlights from published studies

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Content Source:
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities