Autism research group
Estimated to affect up to one in 160 Australian children, autism includes
a continuum of developmental conditions that, without accurate diagnosis and
effective intervention, can have a major impact upon a person’s ability to
communicate and socialise.
Founded in 2004, UniSA’s Autism Research Group (ARG) is a multidisciplinary
team of researchers involved in a range of activities aiming to better
understand autism and help develop more effective diagnostic techniques and
treatments.
Headed by senior research fellow Dr Manya Angley, the ARG is based in
UniSA’s School Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and includes members from a
variety of disciplines, including clinical psychology, chemistry, molecular
biology, pharmacy, occupational therapy, statistics and computer science.
People
ARG members include:
UniSA researchers
From the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences:
Dr Manya Angley
Professor Ross McKinnon
Dr Susan Semple
Dr Cobus Gerber
Dr Michael Sorich
From other Schools:
Professor Andy Koronios (School of Computing and Information Science)
John Petkov (Applied Statistics Unit, Whyalla campus)
Other members
David Ellis (Women’s and Children’s Hospital)
Associate Professor Robyn Young (School of Psychology, Flinders University)
Dr Alison Lane (University of Ohio)
Professor Michael Fenech (CSIRO)
Dr Phil Thomas (CSIRO)
Projects
The overarching aim of the ARG’s activities is to establish an autism
‘bioresource’ where biological data is linked with clinical and
observational data. Specific projects are focussed upon: establishing a
phenotyping instrument, identifying biomarkers and quality use of medicines.
Developing a metabonomics-based approach to diagnose and phenotype autism
Researchers: Manya Angley, Ross McKinnon, Robyn Young, Michael Sorich,
Cobus Gerber, John Petkov, Alison Lane
Accurate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders can be problematic,
largely because without any laboratory-based test available, current
diagnostic
techniques rely on a less-than-definitive set of criteria based on the
presence of a cluster of behavioural characteristics. Profiling technologies
such as microarray technology, proteomics and in particular metabonomics
(which involves analysing biofluids such as urine and plasma) have the
potential to improve the diagnosis and subsequent management of autism. This
project is combining expertise in clinical psychology with the most recent
molecular profiling techniques (provided by the Sansom Institute’s CPR) to
develop a new, more effective diagnostic model for autism. Another aspect of
the project is developing an autism phenotyping instrument using clinical
and observational data from children with autism. Data in the phenotyping
instrument will be linked with biological data to form an ‘autism
bioresource’. This project will form the backbone of future autism research
with scope for applications in molecular determinants of drug response, drug
target identification and autism-specific drug development.
Nutrigenomics and autism: towards individualised treatment of autism
by understanding the role of the folate/methionine pathway.
Researchers: Assoc. Professor Michael Fenech, Dr Phil Thomas, Dr Manya
Angley, Professor Ross McKinnon, Ms Penelope Main
Funding: Children’s Research Foundation
A US study showed that the metabolites and related polymorphisms of the
folate/methionine pathway are significantly different in children with
autism compared to controls leading to speculation that the resulting
decreased methylation of nucleotides and increased oxidative stress may
contribute to the clinical manifestations of autism. Oxidative stress has
been shown to be associated with elevated levels of DNA damage and genomic
instability events in other neurobiological disorders. It has also been
shown that the aberrant metabolic profile, associated with the folate/methionine
pathway, that is seen in children with autism can be normalised by
supplementation with folinic acid, betaine and methylcobalamin.
This study examines whether the previously shown differences in metabolites
and related polymorphisms of the folate/methionine pathway are also evident
in an Australian cohort of children with autism. In vitro techniques using a
micro-nutrient array will be applied to explore whether the cells of
individuals with autism are more dependent on these micronutrients than
children without autism. The relationship between genotypes and behavioural
presentation, chromosomal damage and instability events will be examined. A
three arm intervention is planned to determine whether normalisation of the
metabolic profile in children with autism leads to improvements in
communication and behaviour which will be quantified using standardised
psychometric measures.
Quality use of conventional and complementary medicine in autism
Researchers: Manya Angley, Susan Semple, David Ellis, Andy Koronios,
Both conventional and complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are
widely used to treat autism, however there is a pressing need for more
specific research to provide evidence of the different medicines’ efficacy
and potential adverse effects.
In one project, the ARG has developed a printed and electronic chart to help
health care professionals monitor the use and effects of antipsychotic drugs
in the treating young people with autism, providing a safer framework for
the use of antipsychotic medications. Another project has involved a
thorough literature review to examine the rationale, safety and efficacy of
a range of CAMs commonly used to treat autism, including olive leaf extract,
vitamins A, B, C and E, dimethylglycine, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium,
zinc, essential fatty acids, melatonin, colostrum, secretin, probiotics,
chalating agents, glutathione, glutamine and digestive enzymes. This work
has shown that the use of CAMs in autism is not risk-free and often lacks
sound critical evidence – however supplementation with omega 3-fatty acids,
melatonin and probiotics all hold promise as treatments, and the ARG is
planning randomised placebo-controlled trials to investigate their efficacy.
The ARG is also developing a resource to guide health care professionals and
caregivers when selecting CAMs for use in autism. Another project has
involved developing a chart for monitoring physical health and adverse
effects in young people prescribed antipsychotics, many of whom have autism.
Publications
Manuscripts
Grzeskowiak L, Ellis D, Phillips A & Angley M (2008) ‘Implementation of a
chart and guidelines for monitoring physical health and adverse effects in
children and adolescents prescribed antipsychotics.’ Journal of Pharmacy
Practice and Research vol. 38 no.1 pp.9-13.
Ellis D, Shirzadi K, Grzeskowiak L & Angley M (2008) ‘Development of a novel
program to facilitate monitoring physical health and adverse effects in
children and adolescents prescribed antipsychotic medication.’ Australasian
Psychiatry. Vol 16 no.2 pp 368-369.
Baker A, Lane A, Angley M & Young R. (2008) ‘The Relationship Between
Sensory Processing Patterns and Behavioural Responsiveness in Autistic
Disorder: a Pilot Study, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. vol.
38 pp. 867–875
Angley M, Young R, Ellis D, Chan W, McKinnon R, (2007) Children and autism:
Part 1 - recognition and pharmacological management, Australian Family
Physician vol. 36 no. 9 pp. 741-744.
Angley M, Young R, Ellis D, Chan W, McKinnon R, (2007)
‘Children and autism: Part 1 - recognition and pharmacological management’,
Australian Family Physician vol. 36 no. 9 pp. 741-744.
Angley M, Semple S, Paterson F, Hewton C, McKinnon R, (2007)
‘Children and autism: Part 2 - management with complementary medicines and
dietary interventions’, Australian Family Physician vol. 37 no. 10 pp.
827-830.
Angley M, Hewton C, Paterson F, Semple S, Ellis D, Chan W,
Grzeskowiak L, Shirzadi K, Phillips A, Stanek J (Aug/Sept 2007) ‘Quality use
of conventional and complementary medicines in autism’, In proceedings of
the 8th International Congress Autism – Europe.
Angley M, McKinnon R, Young R & Evans A, (2006) ‘Autism and
children: Can the pharmacist help?’ Australian Pharmacist vol. 25 no. 6 pp.
468-472.
Lim YZ, Angley M, Tait P, Young R. & McKinnon R. (2006).
‘Immunisation and autism: Sifting myth from reality?’ Australian Pharmacist
vol. 25 no. 7 pp. 554-558.
Published conference extracts
Ellis D, Shirzadi K & Angley M (2006) ‘Development of a package to
monitor physical health in children and adolescents using antipsychotics.’
In proceedings of the National Medicines Symposium Canberra.
Angley MT, Lim YZ, Tait PA, Young RL, Xia XA, Koronios A &
McKinnon RA (2006)‘ Autism and immunisation: What’s the story?’ In
proceedings of the National Medicines Symposium Canberra.
Hewton C, Paterson F, Semple S & Angley M (2006) ‘Autism and
complementary medicines: What is being used and why?’ In proceedings of the APSA Meeting Adelaide.
Paterson F, Hewton C, Angley M, Semple S (2006) ‘Autism and
complementary medicines: what is the evidence?’ In proceedings of the APSA
Meeting Adelaide.
Chan W, Ellis D, Jureidini J & Angley M (2006) ‘Auditing
antipsychotic prescribing in young people at the Women’s and Children’s
hospital’; Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service. In proceedings of the APSA Meeting Adelaide.
Grzeskowiak L, Ellis D, Phillips A & Angley M (2006) ‘Implementation
of a chart and guidelines for monitoring physical health in children and
adolescents using antipsychotics’. In proceedings of the APSA Meeting
Adelaide.
Wu A, Young R, Angley M, Petkov J, Johns C, Churches O & McKinnon R
(2005) ‘Establishing an autism database.’ ASCEPT and APSA Meeting Melbourne
(edited volume of conference proceedings).
Wu A, Chung WK, Young R, McKinnon R & Angley, M (2005). ‘Children and
Autism: Can the Pharmacist Help?’ ASCEPT and APSA Meeting Melbourne
(conference proceedings).
Wong YC, Gerber JP, Berryman MJ, Angley MT, Abarno DV, Young RL &
McKinnon RA (2005) ‘Discrimination of autistic children from healthy
controls using LCMS-based metabonomics: A pilot study’. ASCEPT and APSA
Meeting Melbourne (conference proceedings)
Lim YZ, Tait PA, Young RL, Xia XA, Koronios A & Angley MT (2005)
‘Autism and Immunisation: Sifting myth from reality’. ASCEPT and APSA
Meeting Melbourne (conference proceedings).
Shirzadi K, Ellis D & Angley M (2005) ‘Monitoring Physical Health in
Children and Adolescents using Antipsychotics’. ASCEPT and APSA Meeting
Melbourne (conference proceedings).
Full papers in conference proceedings
Angley, M, Hewton C, Paterson F, Semple S, Ellis D, Chan W, Grzeskowiak L,
Shirzadi K, Phillips A, Stanek J, (2007) Quality use of conventional and
complementary medicines in autism. 8th International Congress Autism
Europe.Oslo.
Invited presentations
Angley M, Semple S and O’Keefe M, (May 2008) ‘Complementary and
Alternative Medicine use in Childhood Autism’ In proceedings of the Royal
Australasian College of Physicians National Congress Adelaide.
Angley M (Nov, 2007) ‘The hard road isn’t always the wrong road’ Healthy
Development Adelaide Career Development Event: Forging a research career
when the going gets tough.
Angley, M (Aug 2007) ‘Monitoring adverse effects in children and adolescents
prescribed antipsychotics; Why and how.’ Pharmacy Australia Congress (PAC)
Melbourne.
Angley MT, Ellis D and McKinnon RA (May, 2005). ‘Autism
Research at the University of South Australia’ In Proceedings of the
Inaugural Autism SA State Conference. Adelaide.
Angley M, Ellis D, Chan W, Grzeskowiak L, Shirzadi K, Phillips A,
Stanek J
(Dec 2006) ‘Quality use of antipsychotic medications in children and
adolescents’ APSA New Investigator’s Symposia In proceedings of the APSA
Meeting Adelaide. P.15.
Angley M & Semple S, (May 2007) ‘Quality Use of Medicines in autism
and developing a metabonomic based laboratory test to diagnose autism’ In
proceedings of the Autism SA 2nd State Conference.
Conference abstracts
Main PAE, Angley MT, Fenech M, Thomas P, Young R and McKinnon R,
(2008) ‘Autism Research Group Sansom Institute: A Team for Tomorrow’ In
proceedings of the Australasian Pharmaceutical Sciences Association Meeting,
Canberra.
Lim J, Ellis, D, Gore, T, Alderman C, Angley M. (2008) ‘Developing And
Implementing A Chart And Guidelines For Monitoring Adverse Effects And
Physical Health In Adults Prescribed Antipsychotics’ In proceedings of the
Australasian Pharmaceutical Sciences Association Meeting, Canberra.
Lane AL, Young RL, Angley MT & Baker AEZ (2008) ‘Sensory under-responsivity
as the predominant sensory processing pattern in children with autism:
implications for research and practice’, American Occupational Therapy
Association Conference, Houston.
Wang LV, Angley MT, Gerber JP, Young RL , Abarno DV, McKinnon RA & Sorich MJ
(2008) ‘Determination of the urinary indolyl-3-acryloylglycine (IAG):
creatinine ratio in children with autism and neurotypical siblings’ In
proceedings of the Australian Society for Medical Research Meeting,
Adelaide.
Baker A, Lane A, Angley M & Young R. (2008) ‘Using video observations to
explore sensory processing in children with autism: inspiration for a
diagnostic instrument.’ In proceedings of the OT AUSTRALIA 23rd National
Conference & Exhibition. Creating the future: to inspire, to explore, to
take action, Melbourne.
Lim HK, Semple SJ, Angley MT, (2008) ‘Exploring The Information Needs And
Experiences Of Caregivers Of Children With Autism.’ In proceedings of the
3rd International Congress on Complementary Medicine Research, Sydney. Prize
winner poster
Wang LV, Angley MT, Gerber JP, Young RL , Abarno DV, McKinnon RA & Sorich MJ
(2007) ‘Investigation of the urinary indolyl-3-acryloyglycine (IAG):creatinine
ratio in children with autism versus typical siblings.’ In proceedings of
the Australasian Scientific and Clinical Experimental Pharmacologists and
Toxicologists Meeting, Adelaide.
Wang LV, Angley MT, Gerber JP, Young RL , Abarno DV, McKinnon RA & Sorich MJ
(2007) ‘Investigation of the urinary indolyl-3-acryloyglycine (IAG):creatinine
ratio in children with autism versus typical siblings: A putative diagnostic
marker for autism spectrum disorder?’ In proceedings of the Australasian
Pharmaceutical Sciences Association Meeting, Sydney.
Booklet
Lim YZ, Young, R, Tait, P, McKinnon R & Angley M (2005) ‘Autism and
Immunisation: The story behind the controversy - A guide for parents’. A
deliverable from the honours thesis prepared by Yun Zi Lim. ISBN 1920927468
Contact
The Autism Research Group is based at the University of South Australia’s
City East campus in Adelaide. For more information on the group and its
activities, please contact Dr Manya Angley on:
Phone: +61 8 8302 1227
Fax: +61 8 8302 1087
Email: manya.angley@unisa.edu.au