What We Do
Our lab projects focus on examining neural mechanisms underlying treatment outcomes for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. Currently, we are running an National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) funded study exploring the shared and distinct neural underpinnings of social cognition difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD). SSD and ASD are heterogeneous conditions that share several overlapping genotypic and phenotypic features such as social impairments. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these social impairments observed in these disorders has not yet been fully examined. Exploring the shared and distinct neural underpinnings in ASD and SSD could advance our understanding of social cognition deficits across disorders, which will ultimately inform treatment. Although antipsychotics have been shown to be effective in reducing positive symptoms in SSD, they are not effective in addressing the devastating social disability associated with the disorder, which contributes to chronic functional impairment. By enhancing our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of social impairments in adolescent onset SSD and how they compare to those observed in ASD, we will be able to refine treatment targets and better predict outcomes for each group. The proposed study takes a novel and innovative approach to further our understanding of the complex pathogenesis of social cognition difficulties in these highly impairing developmental neuropsychiatric disorders.
How to Get Invovled
We provide an evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated individuals who are interested in making and keeping friends and/or handling conflict and rejection. Individuals are taught social skills through didactic lessons and role-play demonstrations, and practice these skills during group socialization events. Participants in this study will undergo diagnostic, neuropsychological assessments, and non-invasive brain scans before and after the intervention. Participants will be paid for their time and effort. Please reach out to us via email or phone on our "Contact" webpage.