Public Data Commons

The current gold standard for autism diagnosis relies on behavioral assessments and does not account for underlying biological differences. Given that autism encompasses a wide spectrum of phenotypic features without consideration of physiological presentation—which may include differences in neuronal and white matter development, as well as microbiome and immune dysregulation—a more precise, individualized diagnostic approach would improve both access to care and precision therapies. Using RNA sequencing data combined with neuroimaging and behavioral metrics, we aim to understand autism from a multimodal perspective. Canada is currently utilizing human-derived stem cells to investigate the role of genes that are differentially expressed in the periphery during brain cell development. Beyond the lab, Canada’s team is developing improved methods for engaging and partnering with the community through informational public presentations with feedback opportunities, open access resources, and a community advisory board that helps make science both accessible and welcoming to the people this research is intended to serve.