Our Research > Overview

We provide comprehensive, cutting-edge digital resources for scientists, clinicians, and anyone affected by autism. With a bioinformatics approach, we are creating an interdisciplinary forum that combines the latest genetic, neurobiological, and clinical information about autism spectrum disorders.

Projects:

AutDB: The Autism Database

In 2007 we launched the first database that collects all genes linked to autism. This database is an active collection of candidate genes identified in genetic association studies, genes linked to syndromic autism, and rare single gene mutations. The last group is the most rapidly expanding group of genes. Read More >

Reading Room

We are creating a resource for the general public to learn more about autism. Our Reading Room will feature Gene Stories which describe the molecular functions of autism genes in the brain. It will also contain the latest scientific publications by both MindSpec and research teams that made discoveries using our AutDB database. Readers will be assisted by our newly developed Autism Dictionary tool. Anticipated release, Spring 2010.

Autism Profile

We are compiling a comprehensive clinical resource for autism spectrum disorders. This digital tool will present information about autism diagnoses, treatments, interventions, clinical trials, and neuroimaging studies.

Tools and Initiatives:

Autism Dictionary

We are creating an integrated autism resource that explains neurobiological, genetic, and clinical terms about autism spectrum disorders. These descriptions will include interactive visual and audio components. Anticipated release, Spring 2010.

Distributed Annotation Initiative

One of the major goals of MindSpec is to encourage the participation of the research community in updating AutDB and ensuring that the content is updated. There are two tools in the genetic module of AutDB: “Add a gene” and “Edit a gene”. To use these tools, a user must be registered on our website.

Note: AutDB only contains information from the peer-reviewed scientific and clinical literature. Data presented at talks and conferences are not accepted. Researchers at MindSpec will independently check all annotations submitted by the community.

Workspace

The Workspace is an interactive module where a user can interact with AutDB without submitting their datasets. In this simulated environment the reference gene set from AutDB could be used for analysis along with a user’s genetic datasets without the need of entering the user’s genes into the database.