Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) now affects around 1 in 36 children. It has multiple causes: genetic, environmental and biological factors. Among these factors, researchers have discovered that around 20% of mothers of autistic children have specific antibodies directed against the fetal brain. These antibodies could disrupt brain development during pregnancy and increase the risk of autism.
The SAFARI project at Robert-Debré Hospital aims to understand this phenomenon. Over a three-year period, teams will analyze blood samples from around 900 subjects (mothers and children) in order to :
- measure the frequency of these antibodies,
- to see if their presence is linked to more severe forms of autism,
- explore new avenues for early detection, prevention during future pregnancies, and more appropriate care.
Researchers hypothesize that children born to mothers carrying these antibodies have more pronounced forms of autism and specific biological characteristics. The aim of this project is to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms, with a view to improving screening and prevention.
A4 Autisme's support will enable the research team to take an essential step forward in the project, by facilitating the implementation of the biological analyses required to detect these antibodies, and thus enable early detection.
This partnership with A4 Autisme is a perfect illustration of the synergy between research and the voluntary sector. It enables us to strengthen our resources to better understand the early mechanisms involved in autism," emphasizes Dr. Pierre Ellul, project leader.
The project brings together a multi-disciplinary team of child psychiatrists, neuro-immunology researchers and medical biology experts, in conjunction with the Centre d'Immunologie des Infections Virales et des Maladies Auto-Immunes at the CHU Kremlin-Bicêtre (AP-HP), headed by Prof. Kumaran Deiva.
For A4 Autisme, this support is in line with its mission to promote early detection, scientific research and appropriate support for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
The SAFARI program Pierre and Stéphanie are working on is a precious gem. Our A4 association is delighted to be able to help you today with this additional support, and this is just the beginning. The Institut Robert-Debré du Cerveau de l’Enfant Institute Robert-Debré du Cerveau de l’Enfant has crucial assets for developing preventive and curative applications", says Philippe Evrard, scientific advisor to the A4 association.
This cheque once again underlines the importance of a lasting collaboration between the associative world and university hospital research, in the service of a better understanding and ever more personalized care of autism spectrum disorders.
The teams at the Institut Robert-Debré du Cerveau de l’Enfant would particularly like to thank Professor Philippe EVRARD, Michel LEBON, Paul CHENEL, Pierre Estournet, Jean-Claude Kervot and Agnès Petit for their presence and warm words.
How we can help
Improving the mental health of children and adolescents is a cause that concerns us all. Every donation helps fund research, support programs and family awareness-raising.
Make a donation to the Institut Robert-Debré du Cerveau de l’Enfant
