Gift supports autism research

The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, primarily located in the Department of Psychology (Neuroscience), is working to determine the causes and possible treatments of autism spectrum disorders.

"This major undertaking would have been impossible without initial financial support from David Patchell-Evans," says Dr. Derrick MacFabe, Director of the Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group. "Mr. Patchell-Evans himself is the father of an autistic child, Kilee, and the Research Group is honoured to bear her name."

MacFabe says the causes of autism are extremely complex. "There are subtle abnormalities in discrete regions of the brain and digestive system. Genetic and immune factors play a role, coupled with possible sensitivity to environmental agents that may cause or worsen the disorder."

People with autism appear to have impairments in areas of the brain collectively known as the limbic system. Limbic structures play a role in such diverse processes from artistic creativity, recognizing a person's face, emotional bonding and the rearing of children, to aggression and drug addiction. Therefore, abnormalities in these brain areas cut off or provide distorted impressions of reality for the person, leading to an inability to effectively relate to the world around them, retreating to a world of social isolation.

MacFabe says lifelong impairment to a person with autism is enormous, the emotional toll on a family is devastating, and the cost of public health care for these persons throughout life is immense.

MacFabe adds, "What David Patchell-Evans is doing is tremendously generous. His commitment will fund our team's research project over the next two years, and give hope to those families coping with this lifelong disorder."