IntroductionHans Asperger and his colleagues in the clinic (1930s) Autism is constantly in the news and there are many questions, new and old, that can only be solved by basic research. We focus on studies of neuro-cognitive processes, that is, what happens in the brain and in the mind of the person with autism. We study this over the whole life, not only in children, but in adults of all ages. Who asks the questions? Here is an example. In 2001 the MRC published a review on autism. This comprehensive review involved not only scientists but also people with autism, parents and lay participants. Amongst other things the review addressed questions such as: Has autism increased? What are the causes of autism? One of the enduring questions we continue to ask is: How can the signs and symptoms of autism be explained by psychological theories? Autism@ICNTo allow for a fast response to research questions as new ideas and techniques become available, I set up a network of ICN-based researchers. This is a network to stimulate and facilitate research on autism, Asperger Syndrome and other disorders on the autism spectrum. One aim is to enable other cognitive neuroscientists to test their theories using a well documented sample of participants in collaboration with autism researchers based at ICN, such as Sarah White. In regular seminars autism researchers are invited from other departments to present their research. In addition there are project presentations. These crucially occur before new studies are run to allow input and critiques from other experts. Different researchers often share participants from the ICN data base, and recruit new participants. We now have experience to efficiently share appointments and data. The members include collaborators from neighbouring institutions, alumni of ICN's Developmental Group and ICN researchers who have a special interest in autism and are involved in ongoing collaborations. By sharing a database of participants, researchers at the ICN who would not normally work with people on the autism spectrum are able to carry out one-off experiments, broadening the base of expertise and increasing knowledge of mind and brain in normal and abnormal development. This network was launched with a mini-workshop on 16th April, 2007. Adam Feinstein from autismconnect wrote a review of the workshop. For further information on Autism@ICN meetings, contact Jennifer Cook. PeopleMembers
Alumni and Collaborators
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