The Resilience, Pediatric Psychology, and Neurogenetics Connections Lab at McGill University is currently involved in several research projects related to both typical and atypical development:
1. Longitudinal Study of the Development of Joint Attention Shohreh Rezazadeh’s doctoral research is investigating the developmental trajectory of social communication and early language development of children with autism disorder and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (22q13 Deletion Syndrome). Specifically, this project is examining the extent to which children displaying autistic-like characteristics follow the same developmental course in social communication and language development as children with autism disorder. Furthermore, this project aims to define which aspects of non-verbal social communication (e.g., join attention skills) and language development are most useful in determining the onset of autism disorder. Findings from this research study will help guide the identification and implementation of early intervention practices for children with autism spectrum disorders, specific language disorders and social communication disorders.
*Look for a link to upload videos and other information for this project - coming soon.
2. Behavioural Features of Individuals with 22q13 Deletion Syndrome: An Examination of Autistic Traits, Adaptive Functioning and Comorbid Psychiatric Symptoms Amira Rahman's Doctoral research study is three-fold: 1) to identify a specific profile of autistic-like behaviors among individuals with 22q13 deletion; 2) to determine the presence and nature of skill loss in affected children; 3) to examine the pattern of adaptive behavior and psychiatric symptoms among individuals with 22q13 deletion. Some children with 22q13 deletion lose or do not have access to services reserved for children with autism. It is predicted that the results of this study will show that these two syndromes share many of the same needs and thus should not be viewed as mutually exclusive
3. Atypical Behaviours in Developmental Disorders: The Association Between Fatigue and Autistic Symptoms in Children With Cri du Chat Syndrome Anthony Claro’s Master’s research examines the association between fatigue level of children diagnosed with Cri du Chat syndrome or moderate to severe learning disabilities, and their expression of autistic symptoms. The current study addresses an important empirical gap in the field of sleep research in children with intellectual disabilities and is the first to examine a potential correlate to autistic behaviour in children with Cri du Chat syndrome. Findings from this study may uncover correlates of autistic symptoms in a special population of children and could lead to intervention and prevention programs and the eventual improved prognoses for children with Cri du Chat syndrome.
Other Projects:
- How the development of joint attention skills helps to discriminate between children with autism and severe intellectual disabilities.
- The effects of stimulant medication on short-term improvement in academic functioning in a sample of children with ADHD.
- Differentiating children with autism and children with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome using items from the ADI-R, Vineland, and Reiss Scales.
- How the use of internet-based data collection provides access to all children with rare genetic disorders.
- Developing basic data for making dual diagnosis (i.e., mental health issues and intellectual disabilities) for children with severe intellectual disabilities.
- Determining the best and most efficient methods of providing academic instruction with children with chronic and acute medical issues.