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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are rapidly reaching epidemic proportions in the United States and throughout the world. While there is evidence that some of those on the autism spectrum show abnormalities in their genetic make-up, it is becoming clear that other factors are involved in the burgeoning number of cases we see each year.

Every individual with autism experiences social, emotional and medical challenges that deserve assessment and study to uncover every possible avenue of assistance, both for that individual and for those with similar difficulties. At the same time, each individual with autism is unique, and deserves personalized care.

To explore possible abnormalities in the brains and bodies of children and adults with ASD, the TRANSCEND (Treatment Research and NeuroSCience Evaluation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) program has been established under the leadership of Martha Herbert, MD. From its hub at the Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, TRANSCEND is a part of the newly forming Partners Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, which also includes the path-breaking LADDERS Clinic as well as a range of educational and service provider programs.

Diagnosis and Treatment Goals

TRANSCEND’s integrative approach looks at autism and NDDs as whole-body whole-person conditions; uses multi-leveled diagnostic measures across all physical systems; and considers the body as well as the brain and behavior to be treatable.

By providing an integrated stream of brain and body laboratory studies, TRANSCEND aims to systematically turn clinical assessment and treatment into data for research that will maximize the help we can give to each patient.

Integration of brain and body with genetic biomarkers to allow an individualized understanding of autism is a totally unique approach to diagnosis, research and treatment. When we place this model into a clinical setting it allows us to treat each facet of autism in its own terms, and at the same time learn how these interventions impact the whole person. This approach goes straight to the “biological ground zero” of the everyday reality of autism. It represents a model for truly effective 21st century clinical science for ASD.

TRANSCEND is approaching the diagnosis and treatment of ASD and developmental disabilities with the intent to:

Optimize profiles of brain and body measures that are sensitive to abnormal function in autism spectrum disorders
Develop profiles of measures for early identification of a disorder
Using these multidisciplinary measures to maximize our chances of identifying biologically distinct autism subgroups
Track how brain and body metabolism (chemistry, immune) challenges relate to each other in people with autism
Use animal models of the brain and metabolic abnormalities measured in autism to study how best to improve brain and body function and track brain and body impacts of treatments
Use measurement profiles to track change through development and response to treatment.