Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
MMRI Researchers are working to better understand the genetics of autism spectrum disorder. One way to do that is through comparing the DNA of children diagnosed with autism to their unaffected parents and siblings. Through this work MMRI faculty are helping to better understand how autism risk mutations are transmitted in families.
MMRI Faculty are seeking partnerships and grants with the goal of making MMRI part of the network of research institutions around the world helping to increase the understanding of autism.
“There is so much that we still don’t know about the biology of autism. Our goal is to understand the underlying mechanism of ASD. By studying the roles of genes that are associated with autism, we can leverage this information to potentially develop the therapeutics.”
-Adife Gulhan Ercan-Sencicek, Junior Facility