New research and technology are constantly changing the way we practice medicine. Our Autism Center will provide not only the best quality of services based on the latest recommendations, but also provide families and individuals with an ASD the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research on both separate and combined medical, educational, and behavioral outcomes. It is our mission to disseminate research findings to further the advancement of treatment for individuals diagnosed with an ASD. We also pledge to continue the pursuit of a cure with the highest of ethical standards.
Families participating with our program will have the opportunity to participate in research to accomplish these efforts. Data will be collected regularly on evaluation and intervention procedures, staff training, satisfaction, and the quality of life for our patients and their families. Many other research efforts are also available that will impact the lives of all children with ASD and their families.
Research Initiatives
Advances from molecular genetics to brain imaging hold great promise for better and earlier diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders. Children’s Hospital of Michigan offers a world-class program providing both expert neurological care and advanced neuroimaging technologies that can be used to map brain structures and function in children with an ASD. Funding recently awarded by the National Institutes of Health through the Autism Center of Excellence Network initiative has allowed our team to lead a multicenter national pharmacological trial in young children with autism, using PET scans of serotonin synthesis as a biomarker of drug response. Children’s Hospital has ongoing imaging studies using MRI-DTI and autistic symptoms in children. There are a number of genetic studies, as well. The Children's Hospital of Michigan Autism Center will give children and families the opportunity to participate in multi-site clinical research trials to develop evidence based standards for medical treatment of ASD.