Studies Involving Family Members

We know that not all cases of ASD are the same. Researchers know that there are many factors that vary amongst the symptoms and the severity of the symptoms associated with ASDs. Other factors such as the age-of-onset, as well as the strengths and weaknesses that individuals with an ASD possess, are also found to vary.

ASD-CARC researchers believe that in identifying and studying these characteristics they can be used to classify subgroups of ASDs. Since some characteristics are familial, rather than specific to an ASD, we would like families to take part in our studies on both individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals.

Importance of Autism Profiles

We believe that the distinctive subgroups of ASDs may respond differently to a variety of treatments (eg. dietary, ABA, etc.). Very careful clinical assessments will hopefully lead to our separating families into different subgroups based on subtle differences in the behaviour/symptoms or physical features of the affected children (i.e. through the creation of Autism Profiles).

Subgroups of ASDs Based on Autism Profiles

It is important to learn whether genetic or environmental differences may exist that could account for a) subgroups of ASDs, and b) the different responses to the variety of treatments used with individuals with an ASD. By studying these Autism Profiles, we hope to identify different subgroups of ASD. These subgroups will provide clues that will help us understand some of the very earliest signs of developmental differences or anomalies.

Physical Features

In terms of physical features, researchers have found that abnormalities of ears are common in autism, but we know that not all children with autism have abnormal ears. If we study a subgroup of children with these ear anomalies, will these children have other characteristics in common that, together, might constitute a clinical subgroup or "Autism Profile"? Studying groups of children with ASD who share physical or behavioural features is more likely to give us a clearer picture of ASD "subgroups" than if we combine our findings on all children with ASD.

Behavioural Characteristics

The same is true when we look at behavioural or neurophysiological characteristics in children with ASD. One subgroup of children may have, for example, gastrointestinal problems or sleep disorders. Ultimately, we want to compare each "subgroup" (defined on behavioural or physical features) using genetic studies, to determine whether there is a common clinical/behavioural profile associated with each set of genetic differences ("genotype") or environmental exposures.

Some of the behavioural characteristics we are interested in measuring in children with ASD are those being assessed through our on-line questionnaire studies (sleep problems, gastrointestinal and diet problems). All families are encouraged to participate in these on-line studies!

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