Modifiable Factors in Autism (MFA) researchers study how many different factors contribute to the development of autism. Additional study is also devoted to factors contributing to different outcomes over the life course, such as development of co-occuring conditions in autistic people.

MFA investigators also work on developing new methods to better measure characteristics of autism, risk and protective factors, and outcomes. Examples of key research topics include:                                                                                                        

• Environmental factors like parent exposure to chemicals at work or at home during pregnancy, or exposure of the child in early life to chemicals like air pollutants and pesticides
• Maternal health during and around pregnancy, including medical conditions, reproductive history, and pregnancy and infant factors
• Maternal diet during and around pregnancy, including prenatal vitamins, nutrients, food and how nutrition might influence other factors linked to autism and early child development
• Family health history and demographics, including the diagnosis of autism or other conditions in parents, siblings or other family members, and family sociodemographic factors (including parent or grandparent age, parent immigration)
• Measurement of autism and related traits in different ways that may help is learn more about brain development and how autism is related to other neurodevelopmental outcomes
• Pathways linked to differences in brain development and outcomes, such as co-occurring conditions, in autism. Pathways include inflammation, oxidative stress, placenta development, hormones, genetic differences and the interplay of genetics and environmental factors in autism.
• Health over the life course of persons on the spectrum