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Dear Friend
We were delighted to meet so many people at the recent Autism Show in London. With over 3500 visitors attending over two days, this was a fantastic conference and exhibition. Autistica took this opportunity to showcase a number of our funded projects and we were pleased that so many people wanted to sign up and get involved in the research.
This month's 'Research Focus' below gives an outline of the projects Autistica has supported, since it was set up by Dame Stephanie Shirley five years ago. Autistica has also funded four important Pilot Projects - which you can read about here.
Autistica's Director of Research, Dr Jenny Longmore has written a piece, Where has all the science got to? following the recent International Meeting for Autism Research, an annual gathering of autism researchers. Next month we will hear a parent's perspective on the IMFAR conference and what it means for individuals and families affected by autism. Virginia Bovell, OBE, parent and campaigner will be giving us her views.
With best wishes,
Philippa Stannard, Head of Donor Development
Autistica Funded Research Focus
British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS) - Birkbeck College, London
This is a nationwide research network where researchers are studying the very early development of young siblings of children already diagnosed with autism, some of whom will go on to develop autism or an autism spectrum disorder. Ultimately this research will help early detection of autism spectrum disorders, with early diagnosis and will create opportunities to develop and test new early interventions. www.basisnetwork.org
The Autism Genome Project (AGP) - University of Oxford
The AGP is a large worldwide study to find the genetic variations that increase susceptibility to autism. It involves a global consortium of around 50 academic and research institutions. The goals are for a better understanding of the biological basis of autism, to facilitate diagnosis and develop targeted interventions.
Brain Bank for Autism and Related Developmental Research (BBA) - University of Oxford
The brain bank is a resource which allows for post–mortem brain donations and making brain tissue accessible to researchers worldwide. This type of research is essential in identifying differences in the brains of individuals with autism and will enable scientists to make ground-breaking genetic and neuroscientific advances towards new ideas for interventions. www.brainbankforautism.org.uk
Wales Autism Research Centre (WARC) - University of Cardiff
Autistica provided funding for the Chair of Autism Research and a Senior Research Fellow. This acted as the catalyst for the formation of the Wales Autism Research Centre (WARC) and stimulated the growth of autism research in Wales, together with deepening national and international connections, and providing additional regional expertise to families and other stakeholders, such as the Welsh Assembly Government. http://psych.cf.ac.uk/warc
A twin study of brain anatomy and connectivity - Institute of Psychiatry, London
This neuroimaging study investigates how genetic and environmental factors affect brain development in identical and non-identical twin pairs and will provide scientists with information about why specific regions of the brain may have developed atypically, which will be valuable in finding treatments and identifying the brain regions these should be directed to.
Genetic variation and brain structure in autism - Institute of Psychiatry, London
This project supplements the Autism Imaging Multicentre Study (AIMS, funded by the MRC) and enables examination of the relationship between genotype, brain structure and behaviour. It contributed to research team receiving the ‘National Health Service Innovation of the Year’ 2010.
Hypersensitivity in autism - University of Cambridge
This research supports the next generation of young autism researchers by providing a strong programme of professional mentorship for a young pre-doctoral fellowship in research that investigates a rarely researched area of the field - why children with ASD are very sensitive to light and sound.
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