RESEARCH MOBILE LAB - 3D FACIAL IMAGING

Project Leaders: Cynthia Forster-Gibson, MD, PhD, Queen's University, Suzanne Lewis, MD, University of British Columbia and Peter Hammond, PhD, University College London

This is an exceptional novel research study that holds promise for understanding developmental differences in persons with ASD.

Our research group has some very exciting preliminary data suggesting that some individuals with autism have subtle differences in their facial features that are not detectable by the naked eye (to view journal article abstract click here). We are now keen to replicate this study on a larger number of families. To participate, families must be part of our ASD-CARC Research Registry and participate in the genetics studies by providing a saliva or blood sample. They would then attend a session to take the 3D facial images (basically, a very expensive digital camera that constructs a 3D facial image). The importance of the genetics studies is that any differences that are found may be reflected in slight gene variations that would be important to identify in order to understand the role of those genes in early development leading to these subtle facial differences.

The 3D imaging equipment is currently available for sessions in the following areas: Vancouver, British Columbia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Tasmania, Australia; and Kingston, Ontario. The 3D imaging equipment can also be transported to surrounding areas and will be on the road in our mobile lab in 2009.

If you can recruit a large number of families in your area to do this then we can make a special trip to your area and couple this with a presentation to your group about our research. Please contact us at autism.research@queensu.ca.