Program Leader: Diana Schendel, Ph.D.

Faculty: Kristen Lyall, Sc.D.

Modifiable Factors in Autism (MFA) researchers carry out different kinds of studies to better understand autism. The goal is to learn more about different factors linked to autism across the lifespan. For example, studies may address the impact of being born before the end of the full 9 months of pregnancy or having different kinds of health conditions through life, and how those outcomes come about. Studies also examine factors that may influence brain development and other biologic pathways involved in early development to learn more about underlying mechanisms so that, ultimately, better treatments and supports can be developed. In other words, MFA researchers ask “why” and “how” questions. Answers to those questions help families and communities find the best ways to support persons on the spectrum.

So, MFA researchers look for risk and protective factors that are modifiable (able to be changed) and linked to outcomes in autistic persons in order to find ways to improve the lives of persons on the spectrum and their families.

To do this, MFA researchers look at many different factors, in different kinds of studies, with partners in the US and around the world.