Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Research

Autism Spectrum Disorders Research

The University of Rochester is the largest center for autism research in New York State and one of the largest in the United States. Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics has a pivotal role in this research effort. Current studies at the University of Rochester focus on screening and diagnosis of Autism related disorders. Medical identification of comorbid conditioning, the genetic basis of early brain development, identification of environmental risk factors, basic differences in neurobiology and chemosensory functioning and effects and outcomes of different types of treatments that range from intense behavioral therapies to dietary interventions.

Several faculty members from the Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics are involved locally and nationally:

  • Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics faculty conduct studies on enhancing behavioral treatments, developing educational interventions and measuring adaptive behavior in children with Autism.
  • The University of Rochester was the recipient of an NIMH $7.5 million grant to establish a center for Studies To Advance Autism Research and Treatment (STAART). The center involves collaborations among investigators in the Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology. Dr. Patricia Rodier is the Principal Investigator. Learn more.
  • Study of Intervention for Spoken Communication in Preschoolers with Autism.
  • Dr. Susan Hyman was the principal investigator of a study funded by the Centers for Disease Control on the prevalence of autism in children with Down Syndrome.  Dr. Stephen Sulkes and Dr.Caroline Magyar were Co-Investigators. The analysis addresses prevalence of Autism in children with DS and investigate the role of repetitive behaviors, functional skills and specific medical comorbidities in diagnosis. Identifying ways of differentiating Autism from other similar behavioral manifestations in children with DS will aid in counseling families regarding intervention strategies and prognosis. Learn more.
  • A team of University of Rochester investigators is conducting the Children’s Hyperactivity and Autism Research Treatment Study (CHARTS) with a grant from the National Institute for Mental Health . This study focuses on the 1 in 4 children with autism who also live with symptoms of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of two treatments.  One treatment is a medication called atomoxetine (also called Strattera). This medication is intended to reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  The other treatment is called Parent Management Training (PMT). This training is intended to help parents learn how to manage their child’s challenging behaviors. The Rochester team is joined by counterparts at Ohio State University Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Together, the three sites will split the $3 million dollar award over five years. Drs. Tris Smith, Susan Hyman, and Jennifer Zarcone lead the Rochester site. Patricia Corbett-Dick, PNP and Laura Silverman, PhD, are collaborators. Learn more

    To learn more about CHARTS, visit ClinicalTrials.gov or contact:

  • Dr.’s Susan Hyman and Tristram Smith direct the Rochester site in the Autism Treatment Network (ATN). This network is funded by Autism Speaks and is the nation's first network of hospitals and physicians dedicated to bridging gaps between science and practice to improve treatment for individuals with Autism. Through the ATN, children receive comprehensive medical care from physicians who are at the forefront of efforts to address the medical issues that arise with Autism.  In keeping with the collaborative nature of the ATN, clinicians in the network share current best practices with a wide variety of other centers and have a real commitment to treatment – based on extensive hands-on experience – and to finding better ways to assess and manage the health of children with Autism. Learn more
  • Dr. Tristram Smith was the Co-Principal investigator in a recent project funded by NIMH on early intensive behavioral intervention for young children with Autism. The articles “Intensive Behavioral Treatment for Children with Autism: Four Year Outcome and Predictors” and “Early Intensive Behavioral Treatment: Replication of the UCLA Model in a Community Setting” provide details.
  • Drs. Susan Hyman and Stephen Sulkes, along with Dr. Jennifer R. Zarcone, participate in industry-sponsored clinical trials of medications to treat the symptoms of Autism.
  • Other Autism Research at the University of Rochester
    Developmental Neuropsychology Lab

 

 

Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Research

 

Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics