Ocular Motility In Autism And Asperger S Disorder: Dissociation Of Motor Deficits.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$131,235.00
Summary
We will use ocular motor technology to investigate motor dysfunction in autism and Asperger's disorder, to advance our understanding of the neurobiological bases of these disorders. This will help clarify whether neural networks are differentially disrupted in these disorders, as our previous clinical research suggests. This dissociation and the subsequent development of an ocular motor clincal screen may improve diagnosis, and potentially treatment, of these devastating conditions.
Early Detection Of Infants And Young Children With Autism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$268,250.00
Summary
Autism is a severely handicapping condition adversely affecting social interaction, communication, behaviour, interests, and activities. Autism requires treatment at an early age (before 4 years). Despite finding that parents notice problems with their child's development within the first 2 years, on average diagnoses are made around 6 years of age. Treatment for autism should begin as early as possible to improve outcome. Diagnosis requires specialist assessment and these services are limited. ....Autism is a severely handicapping condition adversely affecting social interaction, communication, behaviour, interests, and activities. Autism requires treatment at an early age (before 4 years). Despite finding that parents notice problems with their child's development within the first 2 years, on average diagnoses are made around 6 years of age. Treatment for autism should begin as early as possible to improve outcome. Diagnosis requires specialist assessment and these services are limited. Therefore it is not possible to undertake such assessments with all children who have developmental problems. This project therefore proposes to evaluate a method for screening large populations of children for autism, thus enabling timely and more appropriate referral to assessment services. Previous work by the investigators has developed a potential screening tool (DBC Early Screen) for autism in young children under 4 years with developmental delay that has high levels of accuracy in identifying those infants and children who are at risk of autism and require specialist assessment. This project proposes to undertake a community field trial to assess the accuracy and reliability of this early screen and to establish its suitability for wide use as a population screening tool. The preliminary testing of DBC Early Screen demonstrated that a community field trial was feasible. The results of this study will facilitate the referral of infants and young children to specialist autism assessment services, thus enabling the commencement of appropriate early intervention for children and their families from an early age.Read moreRead less
A Genetic Study Of Schizophrenia In The Brahmin Of Tamil Nadu
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$267,226.00
Summary
The cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but there is good evidence that genes play a role. Geneticists do not fully understand how it is inherited, but it is very complex, and several interacting genes as well as environmental factors are probably involved. Societies such as Australia are genetically diverse because people from many different ethnic groups have intermarried. To detect susceptibility genes in this type of population, we must study very large patient samples. Alternatively, we can ....The cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but there is good evidence that genes play a role. Geneticists do not fully understand how it is inherited, but it is very complex, and several interacting genes as well as environmental factors are probably involved. Societies such as Australia are genetically diverse because people from many different ethnic groups have intermarried. To detect susceptibility genes in this type of population, we must study very large patient samples. Alternatively, we can study genetically homogenous patient samples, found in isolated gene-pool populations. One such population is the Brahmin people in Tamil Nadu, a south-eastern state of India. The Brahmin are descended from the Aryan peoples who migrated into southern India 2000 years ago. In the Hindu caste system, Brahmin are the highly educated priest class, and enjoy a privileged position in society. Traditionally, marriages among the Brahmin of Tamil Nadu have been prearranged, with a preference for first-cousin marriages. As well as this cultural and historical evidence, genetic marker studies confirm that this population is a suitable genetic isolate. In this project, genetic material (DNA) will be collected from Brahmin schizophrenic patients and their families. Diagnostic data, detailed family data, and blood samples will be gathered from 90-100 extended families, each containing two or more ill individuals. Analysis of their genetic code will enable a search for possible schizophrenia susceptibility genes and a systematic search for a mutation. If found, this will greatly improve our understanding of schizophrenia, and stimulate the search for similar genes in other samples world-wide, including Australia where schizophrenia costs $3 billion annually in terms of treatment and lost jobs. If schizophrenia genes can be found, it may be possible to find better treatments that correct the basic causes of the illness and identify factors that protect against the illness.Read moreRead less
A Prospective Study Investigating Implications Of Bioactive Lipids For Diagnosis And Treatment Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,480.00
Summary
This study will investigate the role of fatty acids (lipids) in schizophrenia. Studies in blood cells and in the brains of patients with schizophrenia have shown that these lipids and related products are altered in schizophrenia. We are now able to measure separate lipid metabolites in the living human brain using a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Until recently it was only possible to assess lipid metabolites as a group, limiting interpretation. Thanks to a newly available im ....This study will investigate the role of fatty acids (lipids) in schizophrenia. Studies in blood cells and in the brains of patients with schizophrenia have shown that these lipids and related products are altered in schizophrenia. We are now able to measure separate lipid metabolites in the living human brain using a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Until recently it was only possible to assess lipid metabolites as a group, limiting interpretation. Thanks to a newly available imaging system at the Brain Imaging Research Institute and a new analysis technique, we will be able to measure single lipid metabolites in the living human brain. Simultaneously we will also measure lipids and related enzymes in red blood cells that are responsible for the regulation of these lipids. Preliminary data has shown that there is a strong correlation between these two measures. Furthermore we will investigate the genes that are responsible for the production of these enzymes. By repeating the same tests after 12 weeks we hope to understand how the newer antipsychotic drugs act. Two easy clinical tests (a skin and breath test) will help us to implement the findings in daily clinical practice (diagnostic markers for patients at risk) . With such a multi-level approach we hope to contribute to a new understanding of the origins of schizophrenia going beyond the traditional concepts. The findings might also have direct implications for treatment. Preliminary results are very promising but also contradictory. Therefore it is even more important to carefully investigate the role of these lipids in schizophrenia.Read moreRead less