Connectivity research using functional MRI (fMRI) has mapped the large-scale neural networks subserving cognition and behavior and is revolutionizing our understanding of human brain function, development and the alternate developmental trajectories characterizing disorders such as autism and mental illness. However, people with developmental differences like severe autism have largely been omitted from these advances since they are considered unable to participate in fMRI or cognitive testing.
To address this, Nina De Lacy, MD, MBA, and her team developed a novel behavioral habituation protocol for MRI scanning that was chosen for funding at the 2018 Research Retreat and a parallel grant from the Arc of Washington Foundation. Since receiving funding, the team has been teaching children and youth with developmental differences to participate in scanning and keep their heads still enough to allow the capture of high-quality multiband fMRI data for analysis. Participants and their families also complete a functional analysis and wide variety of behavioral assessments.
The team is delighted to report that to date, five children with substantial developmental differences have been able to complete the study protocol including full fMRI scanning at the South Lake Union campus. The recorded data is of good quality and will enable them to create a preliminary brain connectivity map of participants’ neurocognitive differences and mental health symptoms. At the analysis stage, they will apply cutting edge connectivity methods including their innovative computational techniques that map connectivity to cognition in silico, without the need for in vivo testing. Recruitment continues apace, and many more participants are currently proceeding through the habituation protocol with good progress. The team aims to complete the pilot work by the end of 2020 and subsequently proceed with an R01 application. Through this research, they hope to open new avenues in human neuroscience research for the ~5% of the population affected by developmental cognitive differences.
