Exploring microbiome and immune changes in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Implications for mental health

Summary

Our study wants to learn more about how two brain-related conditions, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affect the gut (microbiome), the immune system, and mental health.

The study includes one visit in person at the Owerko Centre, which is part of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI). During this visit, our research team will ask some basic questions about your child (like age, gender, etc.). You and your child will also fill out a few questionnaires about their general and mental health. The team will measure your child’s face, take a heart tracing (ECG), and collect a small blood sample. You’ll also get a take-home kit to collect a small poop sample and a saliva (spit) sample from your child.

The main goal of this study is to better understand how health is affected in kids and young adults with brain-related conditions. This could help us find better ways to treat these conditions in the future.

If travel to the Owerko Centre is difficult, alternative locations include the Detours office in High River and the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 7 to 21

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

1. Children and young adults (ages 7-21) with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
2. Children and young adults (ages 7-21) with Austim Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
3. Children and young adults (ages 7-21) without any neurodevelopmental disorer
4. Able to communicate in English
5. Generally healthy and able to complete study questionnaires/assessments

Exclusion criteria:

1. Diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder other than FASD or ASD
2. Non-correctable vision or hearing impairments
3. Age not within the range of 7-21 years old
4. HIV+ status or disorder of the immune system (effects on immune function will make it difficult to complete accurate analyses of inflammatory markers)
5. Mental illness that would prevent participation in study activities
6. Other acute conditions that would interfere with participation on the day of assessment (e.g., illness). If such conditions are noted, the participant will be rescheduled
7. Cannot communicate verbally and/or in writing in English
8. Cannot provide informed consent to participate in the study

Participate

Fill out the following form if you want to participate in this research

Method of contact

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Additional information

Contact information

Dr. Tamara Bodnar

Principal investigator:

Tamara Bodnar

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB23-1225