Grant: Operating Grant

Autism is a form of disability that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with other people, and is associated with disabling obsessions and repetitive behaviours. About 1 in 150 individuals have autism, most of who require lifelong supports, achieving only limited independence and participation in their communities as adults, despite talents and areas of strength. The profound impacts on affected individuals and their families and costs to society through health, education and social services argue for strong efforts aimed at improving outcomes. This project aims to better understand the developmental course of autism from infancy through early childhood. With previous support from CIHR, we have assessed and followed 400 infants at increased risk of autism (younger siblings of children with autism) from age 6 months to 3 years. In doing so, we have identified some of the earliest signs of autism ever reported, and have gained important new insights into some of the least understood aspects of this disorder, such as differences between affected boys and girls and patterns of onset, including 'regression' or skill loss. By following this unique cohort (the largest of its kind in the world) to age 5 and 8 years, we hope to further understand how early behavioural features can be used to predict risk of autism and variation in developmental course (including changes in diagnostic classification over time) and how such relationships may vary between boys and girls. We will also investigate how specific characteristics such as early temperament may influence risk of later mental health and behavioural problems in both children with and without autism. Findings from this study will provide a stronger empirical basis for clinical service and policy development aimed at supporting the unique needs of children with autism identified early in life, and helping each of them to achieve their full potential.