Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Development in Autism
AutismThe purpose of this study is to investigate brain development in autism by longitudinally assessing children with autism, as well as typically developing controls, using advanced MR techniques. We will use longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures to investigate the protracted development of long-range white matter fibers in autism. In addition, we will investigate the effect of autism risk genes on brain development.
EEG Studies of Sensory Processing in Autistic Children
AutismThis study uses EEG to study brain waves at rest and in response to specific auditory and visual sensory stimuli in autistic children. We hypothesize that, compared to same age peers, autistics will show abnormalities in their electrophysiologic processing of sounds (tones and phonemes)and visual stimuli (flashes of light)and that these abnormalities will be able to separate autistics not only from typical children but also into clinical subgroups with specific biological/electrophysiological characteristics. We hope to find biological measures which will prove diagnostic of autism in very young children and which can be used in the measurement of treatment outcome in future intervention trials.
Establishing a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Index in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fragile X...
Autism Spectrum DisorderFra(X) SyndromeThe purpose of this study is to accumulate and quantitatively analyze data on the microbiome, serotonin signaling and genetics, and inflammatory cytokines from patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome. Computational analysis of multi-dimensional datasets will be used to establish a "Diagnostic and Therapeutic Index" - an objective set of tools that can help differentiate subtypes of Autism Spectrum Disorder and develop more accurate methods of diagnosis and response to treatment.
Oral Health Care in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum DisorderAutismPersons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are characterized by impairments in social interactions, speech and communication, restricted patterns of behaviour, and unusual sensory sensitivities. There are not many studies available reporting oral health status, dental care needs and oral health care protocol for persons with an ASD.
The Role of Epigenetic Modifications in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum DisorderAutism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. According to the World Health Organization , the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder is one person in 160.
Assessment of the Benefit of Teleconsultations for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Spectrum DisorderChild AutismThe purpose of this study is to determine whether Teleconsultation would a)be effective and cost-effective by increasing the proportion of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders having a correct follow-up, and less transportation, and b) get a high satisfaction from the parents and from the professionals
Associative Memory in Adults With an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autistic DisorderThe objective of this multidisciplinary project is to explore the deficit of associative memory in ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) that could result from abnormal brain connectivity. The hypothesis of abnormal functioning of the fronto-hippocampal network has been evocated but has never been tested. Hence, the present project will include two complementary assessments conducted on a group of adults aged from 18 to 30 with ASD compared to a control group matched in chronological age and intellectual quotient. The first assessment is devoted to the study of associative memory and its EEG correlates and the second focused on the investigation of perceptual strategies related to associative memory using the technique of Eye-tracking. Both behavioral and imaging data would provide new insights on the relationship between perception and memory in ASD.
Influence of Vitamin D Deficiency on the Development of Autism
AutismThe investigators wish to study the effect of Vitamin D on the development of autism in children. The investigators will also investigate the environmental and genetic influences on the level of Vitamin D in children with autism.
Associative Memory in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autistic DisorderThe aim of this study is to investigate the neural substrates of associative memory in Autism Spectrum Disorder using both behavioural and EEG assessments.
Neuropsychopathological Study of Autism
AutismAutism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a relatively common (0.3% in Taiwan), multi-factorial, genetically and clinically heterogeneous, childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder. Due to its high heritability and severe long-term impairment without available laboratory diagnosis, effective prevention or treatment, this disastrous disease has been prioritized for molecular genetic studies. Recent CNVs investigation to identify rare variants and GWA study with endophenotype approaches are promising strategies to identify common genetic variants. In addition to intermediate phenotypes such as head circumstance, speech delay, social impairments and stereotyped behaviors, evidence has demonstrated that neuropsychology and neuroimages may be useful endophenotypes for autism. Dlgap2, Fbxo25, and Arhgef10 knoutout mice generated from our previous CNV results will be characterized.