My research efforts are focused on the development of a translational research core that will unify and spur new research and clinical efforts in neurodevelopmental disabilities across the institution. To this end, I am developing a flexible, accessible, and up to date research database with a well phenotyped and genotyped sample of participants with Autism Spectrum Disorders, related genetic disorders and other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Participants are being characterized by highly specialized clinicians and researchers utilizing gold standard tools and measures as well as through biological sampling (blood and stool) and genetic sequencing. The immediate goals of the repository and registry are to encourage innovative interdisciplinary research projects, increase opportunities for extramural funding, support recruitment efforts, and facilitate the phenotyping of participants. The long-term goals of the repository are to identify subgroups of ASD/NDD, develop targeted interventions based on underlying mechanisms or etiology, and to elucidate biomarkers and other measures of diagnosis, severity, and response to intervention. I am also interested in examining predictors long term neurodevelopmental outcomes of high risk infants
