Study uses MRI technology to help those with autism
Posted Jan 14, 2015 2:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
For the first time, the University of Calgary will study brain activity in teens with autism.
Lead researcher, Dr. Signe Bray tells 660News, they’ll be using a new research MRI at the Alberta Children’s Hospital to get a better understanding of brain structures involved in motivation and learning.
“One of the big challenges in autism is difficulty with things like social interaction and communication. We don’t totally understand why but one possible reason could be that there’s something kind of less motivating about social interaction for them so this is another reason why we think it’s important to study these particular brain structures,” says Dr. Bray.
The hope is to be able to develop more effective training and programs to help those in the autism spectrum.
They’re looking for teens and young adults with autism between the ages of 14 and 20 to take part in the study.
It’s estimated about one child in 68 is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
For more information about how to get involved in the study you can call 403-955-7440 or go to www.asdbrainresearch.ca/
