To better understand the developmental neuroscience and abnormal psychology of genetic conditions that cause common neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Rather than researching these neurodevelopmental disorders in the general population, in which the cause of the condition is unknown, our research examines the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental pathology in a single gene mutation where the cause is known. 

Our research program integrates four main goals:

  1. Characterising symptoms and clinical outcomes
  2. Identifying Novel Neuroimaging Markers
  3. Disease modelling using state-of-the-art laboratory protocols and,
  4. Translating findings into disease-directed clinical trials. 

Characterising the neurodevelopmental profile of children with a single gene mutation will further our understanding of the difficulties and outcomes experienced as part of these conditions. Our research will have significant implications for developing novel disease modelling and drug screening methods to help identify new treatment pathways and stratify patients for clinical trials.

We expect this approach to lead to improved treatment efficacy and more personalised treatment approaches for individuals with these genetic conditions.