The objective of this study is to join a national network of investigators to study over 2500 young children across the country with autism, with other neurodevelopmental disabilities, and typical controls to learn more about: (1) specificity of the atuism phenotype; (2) associations between autism and severe biological indices, including measures of immune function, hormone levels, gastrointestinal functioning, genetic features, and sociodemographic factors. Study involves testing theories concerning associations with biological and environmental risk factors associated with autism.
Children with either autism, history of typical development, or another known disability participate in a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, skills, and abilities. Parents complete several interviews concerning environmental exposures, family history, work history, etc. Data are pooled with 6 other sites across the country in order to obtain adequate power to sufficiently test hypotheses about risk factors. Lab sessions will occur several times per week, will be filmed and include direct assessments of child behavior (standardized and laboratory specific), interviews with parents, checklists or parents and teachers, and full medical review. Biological samples are taken for genetic analysis, a dysmorphology study, and inquires into gastrointestinal functioning.
Preceptor Information |
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| Name: | Susan Hepburn |
| Department: | Psychiatry |
| Location: | Colorado Psychiatric Hospital |
| 9th and Colorado Campus | |
| Contact: | 303-315-6491 |
| susan.hepburn@uchsc.edu | |
| Faculty/Lab Website: | www.jfkpartners.org |
Position Information |
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| Openings | 2 |
| Funding: | No |