Genomic, proteomic, biochemical and immunologic profiling in children with developmental disorder (CDD): a comparison with neurotypical children (on-going)

In this 5 year research study, we aim to develop biomedical markers that map with behavioral and developmental phenotypes in order to:

• screen populations of children with CDD for underlying inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. to identify those who need to undergo diagnostic ileo-colonoscopy) and those who do not
• identify those who might benefit from specific treatments
• develop biomarker profiles that form an instrument for monitoring the clinical course of the disease and the therapeutic response to medical intervention
• improve the clinical well-being of affected children and increase our knowledge base of this disease

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on behavioral measures of short-term memory, learning and behavior in children with autism (completed)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cognitive and behavioral effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in children who present with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study has been designed to:

• provide further evidence for the safety of HBOT in children with ASD
• qualitatively assess the effects of HBOT on behavioral and cognitive symptoms of ASD before, during and after treatment
• identify the number of treatments required to reach therapeutic effects
• identify the length and durability of treatment effects and maintenance

A Retrospective Analysis of Dietary and Nutrient Status of Children with Autism in an Outpatient Setting

The main objective of this retrospective study is to compare the intake of calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals from food in children with autism at baseline and follow-up dietary consultations and assessments. The prevalence of dietary inadequacy of these nutrients in this patient population diagnosed with failure to thrive (FTT) will also be evaluated.

Basic Science Research

A primate model of gut, immune, and central nervous system interaction in response to childhood vaccines

In 2002 Thoughtful House Center for Children embarked on a 5 year collaborative study with researchers at the University of Pittsburgh to develop a primate model for assessing the role of childhood vaccinations in regressive autism. Led by Dr. Laura Hewitson, this non-human primate model for studying vaccine toxicity enabled us to fully explore the neurodevelopmental, gastrointestinal, and immunologic effects of combined infant vaccine regimens in the most appropriate animal model, the rhesus macaque. Previous vaccine safety studies have tended to examine individual vaccines; none have looked at the potential for synergy and interaction in the context of adverse events. This research model is uniquely capable of providing insights into disease mechanism and cause, as well as having utility in translational studies concerning treatment and prevention. Data analyses from Phase I are currently underway and will be reported shortly.

Based on the success of our pilot study in Phase I, Phase 2 of the study is already underway in collaboration with researchers at the University of Washington, Seattle. Phase II is investigating more closely which vaccine(s), or vaccine combinations, result in behavioral and gastrointestinal impairments in infant male rhesus macaques to try to identify any synergistic effects. The study is expected to be completed in 2012.