Our research is directed at understanding brain systems involved in memory, emotion and social behavior. We carry out neuroanatomical studies of the hippocampal formation and amygdaloid complex of the macaque monkey and human brains. We are devoting increasing amounts of effort to understanding the morphological development of these brain regions. We are also using noninvasive imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), to study the development and functioning of the primate brain. Over the last 10 years our laboratory has become increasingly involved in research into the neurobiological underpinnings of autism spectrum disorders. Research ranges from longitudinal MRI studies of children with autism to evaluation of autoantibodies in these children and in their mothers. We are conducting a number of studies using clinical observations of impaired immune function to develop nonhuman primate models of autism.

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