Poustka Lab - Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a group of disorders characterized by impairments in socio-communicative skills and restrictive and stereotyped behaviours and interests. Mild, subclinical forms of autistic behaviour, however, also occur in the normal population. With an estimated prevalence of about one percent, the disorder affects about 3 million people across the EU. The current understanding of the pathophysiology of autistic disorders is still insufficient and up to now there are no effective pharmacological treatments for the core symptoms of ASD. The main focus of the research group is to investigate how autistic symptoms manifest on a biological, cognitive and behavioral level in autistic and non-autistic children and adolescents. In addition, we are investigating new psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for ASD and the potential for early detection and intervention of ASD from the age of 12 months.