Dr. Suzanne Lewis
The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), characterized by impairments in communication, social interaction and behaviour patterns, differ in both symptoms and genetic influences. They include Autistic Disorder, Asperger syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, PDD-Not Otherwise Specified, and Rett Syndrome. Dr. Suzanne Lewis, a geneticist and pediatrician, is uniting laboratory and clinical research to describe the many variations in ASDs and improve the lives of people affected by these disorders.

Working with an interdisciplinary health research team, Dr. Lewis is piloting a research model to describe the related characteristics of the ASDs, including diversities in behavioural, physical, medical, environmental and family histories, and to identify the genes associated with the disorders.  To date, the specific genes related to ASDs have eluded scientists, but identifying them could lead to earlier and more effective means of diagnosis and treatment.

This study is the first of its kind – a comprehensive model that characterizes autism within a large and similarly studied population. Bringing together investigators and professionals from myriad disciplines, Dr. Lewis is working with more than 1,500 ASD-affected families to deliver the newest findings and innovative technologies into the hands of health care professionals and their patients, leading to a greater understanding of ASDs and a higher quality of care for people affected with these disorders.

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Last updated: 03/11/2010