Early childhood development and neurodevelopmental conditions – Terje Falck-Ytter's research group

We conduct interdisciplinary research aiming to increase our understanding of child development, with a particular focus on neurodevelopmental conditions.

Part of the Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND)
Terje Falck-Ytter research group leader.
Photo: Lars Wallin

Our research

Our research includes several clinical projects about early development in individuals with autism spectrum conditions and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In two large scale clinical research projects, EASE and PIP, we aim to characterize early development in autism spectrum conditions and ADHD, to improve early diagnosis and individualized support for children and their families. 

We also conduct twin studies of infants and children to understand how genetic and environmental factors contribute to individual differences in brain development and behavior. We use a range of methodologies in our studies, ranging from behavioral testing and interview with parents, to eye tracking/pupillometry and brain imaging.

Cooperation

The group works in close collaboration with the Development and Neurodiverisity Lab (DIVE) at the department of Psychology at Uppsala University.

Research Projects

EASE (Early Autism/ADHD Sweden): Early signs of autism
 

iTWIN: Twin study of attentional functions
iTWIN is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet, Indiana University (USA) and the University of Gothenburg. The purpose of the study is to understand the contribution of genes and environments to individual differences in attentional functions, assessed with eye tracking. Impairments in such functions are believed to be involved in the development of childhood psychiatric problems such as ADHD and autism.

BATSS: Infant twin study
Babytwins Study Sweden (BATSS): A multi-method infant twin study of genetic and environmental factors influencing infant brain and behavioral development

PIP-study: Preschool brain Imaging and Behaviour Project
The Preschool Brain Imaging and Behaviour Project is the first Europe-wide study to track the development of preschool children with and without autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.

GUT-2-TWIN: A twin study of the human microbiome in infancy

Publications

Selected publications

All publications from group members

Funding

The work conducted in the lab is supported by grants from the Swedish Research Council, The Swedish Foundation for Humanities and Social Sciences (Riksbankens Jubileumsfond), the European Union (EU), and ALF-funding.

Keywords:
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Autism Spectrum Disorder Neurosciences Psychology (excluding Applied Psychology)
TF
Content reviewer:
Terje Falck-Ytter
10-10-2024