Research Strategy, Development Needs & Key Issues   * Please click the above options to move directly to your chosen section of our website, or continue to scroll down to learn more about our Research Strategy.   Research Strategy   1.      Identify the genetic and environmental causes of autism and related disorders and the way these affect brain, cognitive and behavioural development: §         Extend and refine our concepts, definitions, measures and means of assessment of autism and autistic symptomatology. §         Employ genetic epidemiological approaches to investigate the value of categorical and dimensional constructs of the syndrome and related traits. §         Utilize technologically advanced imaging and experimental neuropsychological techniques to identify and characterise the underlying cognitive and neuro-biological disturbances. §         Characterise the key developmental pathways and transition points. 2.      Develop and implement rational genome and envirome search strategies for identifying causes: §         Apply developmental constraints. §         Exploit and mine collected samples and data. 3.      Identify candidate cellular and neurodevelopmental pathways using model systems: §         Determine the reasons why some genetic and neurodevelopmental syndromes (e.g. tuberous sclerosis, fragile X, Rett syndrome, abnormalities of chromosome 15, brain and epilepsy syndromes such as infantile spasms) are often are associated with autism spectrum disorder or symptoms, whereas others (e.g. Down syndrome, cerebral palsy) are not.

4.      Identify candidate gene-environment interactions using model systems §         Determine the reasons why some individuals with specific genetic and neurodevelopmental syndromes (e.g. tuberous sclerosis, chromosome 15 abnormalities and fragile X) develop autism spectrum disorders, whereas others with the same condition do not. 5.      Investigate the extent and basis of causal overlap with other complex neuropsychiatric conditions: §         Use genetic and epidemiological methods to clarify the extent to which autism spectrum disorders are associated with other neuropsychiatric, developmental and medical disorders (e.g. language disorders, learning disability, epilepsy, hyperactivity, motor tics, Tourette's syndrome, obsessions and compulsions, depression, hypomania, psychosis, challenging behaviour) and determine why these disorders co-occur. 6.      Advance therapeutics: §         Identify targets for primary and secondary prevention and symptomatic relief and utilise this evidence to develop new and more effective therapeutic approaches. §         Design treatment trials that are informative with respect casual processes §         Test the efficacy and side effects of treatments. 7.      Improve clinical services and service delivery: §         Translate research advances into clinical developments (e.g. genetic counselling services, brain imaging protocols). §         Develop methods of service implementation and role out developments (e.g. early home-based interventions).

8.      Disseminate knowledge. §         Publications in peer reviewed scientific journals §         Presentations at scientific and other meetings §         Contributions to books and textbooks §         Post information on a centre web site 9.      Teach and train future scientists and clinicians and help develop their careers. §         Support SLAM as an NHS centre for clinical training §         Run training courses in assessment and diagnosis §         Utilise the MRC and other studentship schemes to provide research experience and training 10.      Provide an integrated multidisciplinary national specialist clinical service: §         Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of complex cases. §         Support, advice and liaison with families and local services.

Development Needs - Please click the tool bar above for full details -  In order to strengthen, maintain and extend its position as a premier, world leading, clinical and research facility, the centre has several development needs and goals.   Key Issues - Please click the tool bar above for full details -