NeuroDev: Expanding the Genetic Frontiers of Autism Research

Researchers have made significant progress in unraveling the complexities of autism, but recent findings have shed light on significant gaps in our understanding. Notably, most autism research has primarily focused on individuals of European ancestry, leaving a gap in data concerning individuals with African ancestry. However, a groundbreaking project called "NeuroDev," initiated in 2019, aims to bridge this gap and expand our genetic understanding of autism. With a dedicated team of researchers, NeuroDev is currently collecting data from participants in Kenya and South Africa, and their recent publication of the first year's results has created a buzz of excitement.

NeuroDev is a long-term endeavor, spanning five years in total. By the end of the project, the researchers aim to gather behavior and genetic data from more than 5000 participants, including autistic children, parents and controls. This information will give researchers a more accurate representation of what autism looks like throughout the world and in various cultures.

After completing the first year of data collection, NeuroDev recently published its initial findings. These results are highly anticipated within the scientific community, and they hold the potential to reshape our understanding of autism's genetic factors.

These preliminary results showed the following:
- 17.3% of the cases (children identified with a neurodevelopmental disorder) from South Africa showed neurodevelopmental differences that were attributed to genetics.
- 37.5% of the cases from Kenya involved neurodevelopmental disorders that were attributed to genetic variants
- A total of 22 genetic variants contributed to the neurodevelopmental conditions found in the children from South Africa and Kenya.

Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine wrote a full review of NeuroDev's first year of findings. If you are curious to know more about what they found, access the article in our Article Directory.

NeuroDev just completed data collection in South Africa, and collection in Kenya will now continue until 2025. We look forward to seeing the full report. More information on the NeuroDev Study is available at the following website: https://www.neurodevproject.org/ 

NeuroDev represents a significant leap forward in addressing the gaps in autism research, specifically regarding individuals with African ancestry. By expanding our understanding of the genetic aspects of autism, this groundbreaking study has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and support for autistic individuals. As we eagerly await the subsequent years' results, it is evident that NeuroDev's pioneering efforts will contribute immensely to advancing our knowledge and promoting inclusivity in autism research.

Access the article in our article directory by clicking here.