Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Research

The division is a leader in research on optimizing future health, well-being, and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Faculty serve as investigators in two federally funded autism research centers and direct federally funded studies on Autism, Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, and effects of exposure to methyl mercury on child development. In Fiscal Year 2007-2008, faculty published 15 peer-refereed articles, 14 book chapters and provided more than 100 presentations to professionals.

Current Research Activities

Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Overview of NDBP research on Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Autism Treatment Network
• Autism Intervention Research Network for Physical Health (AIR-P)
• Children’s Hyperactivity and Autism Research Treatment Study
• Center for Studies To Advance Autism Research and Treatment (STAART)
• Prevalence of Autism in children with Down Syndrome

Neurotoxicology

• Effects of exposure to methyl mercury on child development
• Seychelles Child Development Study

Coordinated care for children with chronic conditions and physical disabilities

Health outcomes in older persons with developmental disabilities

• Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on aging with a developmental disability
• Rochester Health Status Survey-IV

Compulsive food-seeking and food motivation in Prader-Willi Syndrome

Current Clinical Trials:

Clinical trials are tests of the safety and effectiveness of new interventions. Learn more about Children and Clinical Studies.

See clinical trials for children with developmental disabilities in the Clinical Trials Database