UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute
Autism, Fragile X, ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Studied
The M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California Davis was founded in 1988. According to Robert Hendren, D.O., the Executive Director of the Institute, the vision of the project is “Experts from every discipline related to the brain working together under one roof, toward a common goal; curing neurodevelopmental disorders, starting with autism. “
Autism Phenome Project
Autism spectrum disorders are garnering more attention as diagnostic rates increased from 1 in 166 children to 1 in 150 children. The Autism Phenome Project at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute is one of the largest and all-encompassing research studies focusing on children with an autism spectrum disorder. Part of the goal of the project is to provide accurate descriptions of a variety of autisms.
Currently there are only five conditions that fall under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders (also called autism spectrum disorders). However, children with the same diagnosis (for example, autistic disorder) may present with many different symptoms. Researchers believe that there is much more to autism than is described in the DSM. The Autism Phenome Project hopes to answer these questions.
The Fragile X Research and Treatment Center
Founded in 2001, the M.I.N.D. Institute’s Fragile X Research and Treatment Center focuses on understanding more about Fragile X as well as creating therapy options that increase the quality of life for those afflicted with this serious disorder.
Noted Fragile X expert, Randi Hagerman, is the medical director of the Research and Treatment Center. According to the M.I.N.D. Institute website, Dr. Hagerman brings 25 years of experience and “Her research focuses on the treatment of conditions related to the fragile X gene mutation and understanding how the molecular changes lead to clinical involvement.”
Other Conditions Studied
Although the primary focus of the M.I.N.D. Institute is autism spectrum disorders, the Institute does provide assessment and research projects for a variety of other neurodevelopmental disorders. ADHD, epilepsy, Tourette’s Syndrome, learning disabilities and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome are all additional disorders for which the M.I.N.D. institute provides services.
Services
In addition to research studies, UC Davis also hosts several educational programs, opportunities for post-doctoral training, a fantastic social skills program and clinical assessments. The clinic houses pediatricians, psychologists, social works, child life specialists and both occupational and speech therapists. Referrals to the clinic must come from your child’s primary-care physician (PCP).
Contacting the Institute
The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute is located at 2825 50th Street in Sacramento, California and the main line is (916) 703-0280. For those interested in one of the research studies mentioned above, contact (916) 703-0336 for more information.
Sources
The House that Collaboration Built
