Previously Affiliated Projects
Intervention in STAARS (Inter-STAARS)
What is Inter-STAARS?
Pre-emptive approaches that strengthen developing cognitive systems could offer an alternative to post-diagnostic interventions. Inter-STAARS tested whether computerised gaze-based attention training is feasible and improves attention in infants who have a parent and or/sibling with attention deficit disorder (ADHD).
Forty three 9- to 16-month old infants were recruited and randomised to receive 9 weekly sessions of either (a) gaze-contingent attention training (20 participants) or (b) infant-friendly passive viewing of videos (control group- 23 participants).
Sessions were delivered at home with blinded outcome assessment.
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Research Findings:
Click here to read the paper: "INTERSTAARS: Attention training for infants with elevated likelihood of developing ADHD: A proof-of-concept randomised controlled trial"
The BASIS- Genome Study
What is gBASIS?
gBASIS collected genetic data from the family members of children who took part in the British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS) and the affiliated STAARS study. By analyzing the genetic differences between family members with and without autism, gBASIS aimed to better understand the range of behaviours associated with the disorder.
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Relevant Publications:
Click the links below to learn more about gBASIS findings:
Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Geschwind, Daniel, H. (2011)
Methylomic Analysis of Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Related
Behavioural Traits: Wong, C. C. Y., et al. (2014).
Intervention within the British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (iBASIS)
What is iBASIS?
iBASIS was an innovative study assessing the impact and feasibility of a video based therapy for siblings of children already diagnosed with autism. It focused on improving social communication and interaction skills. Researchers randomly assigned 54 families to either trial the intervention (adapted Video Interaction to Promote Positive Parenting) or no intervention. All families had an infant aged 7-10 months with a familial high risk of autism. ​
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Article Link:​
Click here to read the full article: "Parent-mediated intervention versus no intervention for infants at high risk of autism: a parallel, single-blind, randomised trial". ​
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Media links:
You can check out more on iBASIS in the following media links:
Science Media Centre: "Expert reaction to video-based therapy for autism"​​​​​
Time.Com: "Parents may be able to lower their children's risk of autism"
Yahoo!News: "Autism therapy raises hope"
Daily Mail: "Could this treatment prevent autism? Technology that helps parents communicate with babies 'may stop symptoms from developing' in those at risk"​​​​
The European Babysibs Autism Research Network
What is Eurosibs?
STAARS is part of Eurosibs, a nine-site European nuerocognitive study of infants with an older sibling with autism.
The goal of the Consortium is to facilitate the implementation of a common protocol of standardised and experimental measures across studies.
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Research Paper:​
Data quality assessments show that neurocognitive measures hold promise for cross-site consistency in diverse populations.
The study highlights challenges and opportunities for future multisite research efforts.
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​Click here to read the research paper: "Eurosibs: Towards robust measurement of infant neurocognitive predictors of autism across Europe"
