Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research

Overview

A major focus of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities is to conduct clinical and translational research studies aimed at understanding the causes of autism and related disorders, and developing new, more effective treatments for affected individuals. These studies are tightly integrated with basic science investigations into the genetics and treatment of autism so that laboratory discoveries can be rapidly translated into state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment approaches that can improve the lives of individuals with these conditions. Our studies have been supported by NIMH, NICHD, Autism Speaks, the Department of Defense, the Once Upon A Time Foundation and others.

We are actively recruiting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Fragile X Syndrome, Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (22q13 microdeletion syndrome) and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) for ongoing studies.

Please contact our research team at the following email addresses: Autism@UTSouthwestern.edu, CADDResearch@UTSouthwestern.edu., FragileX@UTSouthwestern.edu, or by phone at (214) 648-5155 to learn more.

Investigators

• Arthur Westover, MD
• Patricia Evans, MD
• Sailaja Golla, MD 
• Kim Huber, PhD
• Genevieve Konopka, PhD
• Maryann Morris, PhD, BCSE
• Matt Mosconi, PhD 
• Craig Powell, MD, PhD 
• John Sweeney, PhD
• Yukari Takarae, PhD 
• Carol Tamminga, MD
• Peter Tsai, MD, PhD
• Stormi Pulver White, PsyD

Participate in research

The CADD Research team has multiple ongoing studies focused on autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Our studies aim to identify the causes of these conditions and better understand how to treat them. We integrate multiple non-invasive, cutting-edge approaches, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, tests of motor physiology, electroencephalography (EEG), novel cognitive tests, and others. We are actively seeking individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Fragile X Syndrome, Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (22q13 microdeletion syndrome) or Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) for participation in these studies. Individuals without these conditions also are needed to serve as comparison subjects.

Interested individuals and families can assist us with this critical research while being compensated for their time. Please contact us to learn more about these studies and to determine if you may be eligible.

Our study team can be reached at the following email addresses: autism@utsouthwestern.edu, CADDResearch@utsouthwestern, or fragile@utsouthwestern
or by phone at (214) 648-5155.