Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
The CTIS Womb to Classroom Screening Program for the detection of agents with adverse effects on neuropsychological
Jane Adams1, Patricia A Janulewicz, Kelly Kao
1Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 02125, USA. jane.adams@umb.edu
Abstract:
Over the last several decades, federal agencies engaged in the screening of environmental or pharmaceutical agents have recognized the need to conduct research in animal models to identify agents that have classic teratogenic effects as well as effects on neural and behavioral development. Many questions typically addressed in rodent models can be further addressed using real-world, everyday human exposures. Although some postmarketing surveillance programs have been put in place to examine the influences on birth characteristics, it is now urgent that programs be launched to examine the long-term risks associated with exposure to the many medications, drugs, and environmental chemicals for which data are currently unavailable and unexplored. The California Teratogen Information Service (CTIS), established in 1983, and its corresponding Clinical Research Program represent the oldest national program directed at identifying pregnancy risk factors and exposures associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, including behavioral dysfunction. In recognition of the rising rates of developmental disorders involving compromised mental ability, in 2007, CTIS committed to the development of a more comprehensive screening program designed to detect relationships between adverse prenatal exposures and compromised human neurobehavioral development. The "CTIS Womb to Classroom Screening Program for the Detection of Agents with Adverse Effects on Neuropsychological Development" is the first program designed to identify agents not yet known to be of concern.
Insights
Urgent research is needed to assess long-term risks of prenatal exposure to medications and environmental chemicals. The California Teratogen Information Service (CTIS) now screens for agents affecting neurobehavioral development from womb to classroom.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Developmental Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Federal agencies require research on environmental and pharmaceutical agents for teratogenic and neurodevelopmental effects.
- Rodent models are useful, but real-world human exposures offer valuable insights.
- Existing postmarketing surveillance for birth characteristics is insufficient; long-term risk data for many agents are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the urgent need for comprehensive screening of prenatal exposures and their impact on human neurobehavioral development.
- To identify agents not currently known to pose risks to neuropsychological development.
- To build upon existing programs by focusing on long-term developmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the California Teratogen Information Service (CTIS) infrastructure, established in 1983.
- Implementing a comprehensive screening program initiated in 2007.
- Focusing on detecting relationships between prenatal exposures and compromised human neurobehavioral development.
Main Results:
- The CTIS Womb to Classroom Screening Program is the first of its kind.
- The program aims to identify previously unrecognized risks associated with common exposures.
- Data collection and analysis are ongoing to establish links between exposures and developmental outcomes.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need to expand research into the long-term neurobehavioral effects of prenatal exposures.
- The CTIS screening program represents a novel approach to identifying potential developmental toxicants.
- Early identification of agents affecting neuropsychological development is crucial for public health.
