Increasing Representation of Human Diversity in ASD Research
During this webinar, Dr. Geschwind and Dr. Constantino will share more about the NIMH Autism Center of Excellence Genetics Network’s research. This network involves six research sites collaborating in a systematic, comprehensive investigation of ASD genetics in African American families. In addition to the network’s genetic analyses, their recruitment strategy has included an embedded health disparities project evaluating access to care for African American children with ASD, and to clarify factors influencing participation of African American individuals in genetic research. This health disparities component, which will also be presented, provides important/novel insights into diagnostic disparities in the timing of diagnosis, and the burden of cognitive impairment among African American children with autism. The network’s ongoing genetic analysis will be important for expanding findings from what have historically comprised largely European populations to those with African ancestry.