Eric Fombonne, MD

Research has relied on the use of epidemiological methods to understand child psychopathology, with particular reference to two disorders: autism and juvenile depression. In autism, several epidemiological surveys have been conducted and investigations of hypotheses about secular changes in the incidence of the disorder and about the putative role of immunizations as risk factors of autism have been performed. Family, adoption and molecular genetic studies are conducted. Studies of the role of environmental risk factors are also pursued. We direct a strategic training program to autism research across Canadian universities. Other work involves long term outcome studies of juvenile depression, studies of suicidal behaviors and of drug misuse in adolescents.Autism, epidemiology, depression, family studies, longitudinal studies, psychopathology