ASD-CARC :: About Us 06/30/2010

- About Us -

Autism Spectrum Disorders-Canadian American Research Consortium (ASD-CARC)
Mission Statement and Goals
Research
Parent Advisory Group

Autism Spectrum Disorders—Canadian American Research Consortium (ASD-CARC)

ASD-CARC is a multi-disciplinary team of more than 70 researchers and clinicians working with over 3000 families in Canada and internationally who are dedicated to Understanding the Autism Spectrum. Advances in knowledge about ASDs will ensure earlier treatment and brighter futures for individuals on the spectrum and their families. Our goal is to recruit and engage over 10,000 families in our ASD research.

The Consortium is also one of the leading autism research organizations in the world, recognized by Autism Society Canada, Autism Ontario and other Autism support groups, and supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, and other research support organizations.

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Mission Statement and Goals

Our mission is to work towards a better understanding of:

the causes, origins and effects of Autism Spectrum Disorders; and,
the effects of treatment for persons with an ASD or a related disorder.

Through our research projects, our goals are to:

Uncover the different environmental and genetic factors that may contribute to the development of an ASD;
Identify subgroups of ASDs based on similarities and differences in individuals and family members;
Develop methods for earlier and easier identification of an ASD;,
Identify and develop better treatment options for people with an ASD; and
Develop better support systems for persons with ASDs and their family members based on what they tell us are needed.

We are grateful to our partners, funding agencies and community supporters for helping ASD-CARC to pursue its mission and goals.

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Research

Genetics Study: we are studying families to identify genes important in ASD susceptibility and to understand specific characteristics and identify subgroups of ASDs;

Longitudinal Study: we are building a database of family experiences with general ASD characteristics, treatments and therapies over time to determine the most effective treatments for each sub-group of ASDs; and

Regional Studies: on-site research at various locations covers a wide range of studies on ASD characteristics, psychology studies, language development, new diagnostic tools, etc.

Our research programs include family members, children and adults with autism and related disorders who share their first-hand experience and personal data in a highly secure environment with professionals from the fields of genetics, clinical psychology, child psychiatry, neuroimaging and the biological sciences. Our Consortium is led by Dr. Jeanette Holden at the Autism Research Program at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

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Parent Advisory Group

The Parent Advisory Group (PAG) is a group of involved parents with children from a full range of Autism Spectrum Disorders and ages. This group reviews current autism research and helps in developing practical questionnaires. They also discuss and share ideas for new research and family recruitment. They are an invaluable resource to ASD-CARC, providing their extensive shared experience to our researchers and offering important feedback about new studies prior to launch.

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