The authors thank the families for their participation in this study. The authors have declared no competing interest. This work indicated that the combinatorial analysis with genome-wide screening, single-cell sequencing and brain imaging data would reveal brain regions contributing to etiology of ASD. Finally, we found that there was decrease in the seed-based functional connectivity (FC) between BST/PC/PRC and sensory areas, insula, as well as frontal lobes in ASD patients. By further analyzing the brain imaging data with ASD and health controls, we found that the gray volume of the right BST in ASD patients significantly decreased comparing to health controls, suggesting the potential structural deficits associated with ASD. Importantly, combining with single-cell sequencing data from the developing human brain, we found that expression of genes with de novo mutations were specifically enriched in pre-, post-central gyrus (PRC, PC) and banks of superior temporal (BST) regions in the human brain. Using a joint-calling analytical pipeline based on GATK toolkits, we identified numerous de novo mutations including 55 high-impact variants and 165 moderate-impact variants, as well as de novo copy number variations containing known ASD-related genes.
Here we performed whole-exome sequencing on 369 ASD trios including probands and unaffected parents of Chinese origin. Although hundreds of ASD risk genes, implicated in synaptic formation and transcriptional regulation, have been identified through human genetic studies, the East Asian ASD cohorts is still under-represented in the genome-wide genetic studies. We are especially delighted to welcome our guests from Boston and hope they have a wonderful time in our beautiful area.Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions and repetitive behaviors. Roisin Mulgrew, chairwoman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, said: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is absolutely delighted to be working with Autism Initiatives NI and the Newcastle Business community to ensure that the project is successful and that Newcastle is recognised both nationally and internationallyĪs a welcoming destination for all visitors. Partnerships like these ensure that we share knowledge, best practice and expertise to better meet the needs of those living with Autism both locally and internationally.” “Our long-term plan is to open a specialist autism holiday home in the area and to do this successfully we rely on key partnerships such as the one with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the International Ambassador Programme with TILL. It’s no surprise why our service users flourish here - the friendliness of the people combined with the beautiful surroundings make Newcastle a true gem. Autism Initiatives have been present in the town for some time and currently employs 90 people locally to help support adults with autism in the community. Speaking about the plans for Newcastle, Autism Initiatives National Director, Grainne Close, said: “What an exciting time for Newcastle to be recognised locally and internationally as a leading Autism destination. “Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland presents an excellent opportunity to connect with practitioners and educators in Northern Ireland who work on similar issues as in the United States in developing community based housing and vocational opportunities for people on the Autism spectrum and specialised needs.” Visiting Northern Ireland as part of an international exchange program with Autism Initiatives, the guests had spent the weekend before the launch sightseeing while taking part in conferences and social events.ĭafna Krouk-Gordon, from TILL, said: “Exchange programmes such as this allow travellers to develop a sense of confidence, long lasting friendships and mastery of new social skills by making connections with others abroad. To help launch the project, a group of ‘Autism Ambassadors’ from Boston-based service providers Toward Independent Living and Learning (TILL), attended to sample local produce, explore the town and take part in mystery shopping to gauge the autism-friendliness of local businesses. Autism-friendly project unveiled for Newcastle 14 June 2017Ī PROJECT that will see Newcastle named as Northern Ireland’s first Autism-Friendly town was officially launched on Monday.Ī civic reception was held at the Slieve Donard Hotel with the charity Autism Initiatives, who are behind the plans in attendance.The campaign, supported by Newry, Mourne and Down Council, aims to encourage the local business community to think differently about autism.