PUREMIND OS1/OS2

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Discovering Biomarkers for the Prediction of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention/Hyperactivity Disorders and Discovering Causal Environmental Factors to Control Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression to Prevent Mental Health Conditions in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults.

• IRAS ID

  355570

• Contact name

  Suzy Wignall

• Contact email

  res-sponsor@exeter.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Exeter

• Duration of Study in the UK

  3 years, 2 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) often experience anxiety, low mood, or depression, which can start early and continue into adulthood. We still do not fully understand why these difficulties occur, how to predict them, or how best to support children at risk.

  The PUREMIND study, funded by the European Commission, aims to improve early detection of neurodevelopmental and mental health difficulties and to build tools for personalised support. It is observational, meaning it will not involve any treatments or changes to clinical care. In the UK, it is led by the University of Southampton and the University of Exeter, and runs across ten international sites.

  PUREMIND has two linked studies:

  OS1
  This part follows babies under 4 years old who may be at higher risk of ASD or ADHD due to early birth or birth complications, alongside healthy full-term babies for comparison. Families attend five visits (6, 12, 18, 24, and 42 months), where researchers use safe, child-friendly methods such as:
  -Brain recordings with soft sensor caps (EEG and fNIRS)
  -Play-based tasks and questionnaires
  -Biological samples (saliva, stool, urine)

  The aim is to identify early signs that may predict ASD or ADHD.

  OS2
  This part involves children, teenagers, and young adults (5–25 years) with ASD, ADHD, or DCD. Participants attend three visits over nine months, including:
  -Questionnaires about wellbeing and daily life
  -Biological samples (saliva, stool, urine, cheek swabs)
  -Physical activity monitoring with wearable sensors
  -Mobile app check-ins between visits

  Researchers examine how biology, environment, and lifestyle influence anxiety and depression, using advanced techniques such as machine learning. PUREMIND aims to identify early warning signs and develop tools for earlier diagnosis and personalised support.By taking part, children, young people, and families will not only contribute to improving future care but will also receive feedback on development and wellbeing, offering insights into progress across the study. All activities are safe, age-appropriate, and child-friendly. Families are reimbursed for travel and receive vouchers for voluntary participation.

• REC name

  London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/LO/0906

• Date of REC Opinion

  9 Jan 2026

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion