Our Autism and ADHD Research

Professionals and scientists on our Scientific Advisory Committee have conducted numerous research projects and published their findings in scientific journals and at conferences. The following is a list of current research projects being prepared for publication or being undertaken. We are particularly interested in the underlying causes of these disorders.

To investigate the genetic predispositions that underpin these childhood disorders, we have teamed up with SMART DNA, a leading Melbourne Molecular Genetics Laboratory and are currentlty developing a genetics panel specific to Autism and ADHD. This will enable us to tailor the nutrient co-factors to mutated genes more accurately. 

To investigate the nutrient deficiencies often linked with these disorders, our associated clinicians use Healthscope Functional Pathology, a laboratory that specialises in tests that assess function, as well as the usual disease markers that mainstream medicine uses. The data from their clinical work is pooled for research purposes.

Research in Causal factors associated with Autism and ADHD

1. Red Blood Cell Essential Fatty Acid profile of children with ADHD, Autism and typically developing controls.
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Dr. Dr Joe Nastasi, Marissa Donelli, Ceylan Gocman
   Status: Data collected, being prepared for publication.
2. Red blood cell Zinc of children with ADHD, Autism and typically developing controls. 
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Dr Joe Nastasi, Marissa Donelli
   Status: Data collected, being prepared for publication.
3. Relationship between overgrown Streptococcus gut bacteria and anxiety in Autism.
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Dr. Henry Butt, Dr Joe Nastasi.
   Status: Data collected, being prepared for publication.
4. Relationship between low levels of E-Coli gut bacteria, constipation and irritability, low frustration threshold and depressed feelings in children with Autism and ADHD.
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Dr. Henry Butt, Dr Joe Nastasi.
   Status: Data collected, being prepared for publication.
5. Relationship between alkaline promoting diet and Gut bacteria profile in Autism and ADHD. 
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Dr. Henry Butt, Dr Joe Nastasi.
   Status: Data collected, being prepared for publication.

Research in treatment of Autism and ADHD

1. Brain electrical activity of boys with ADHD following Neurotherapy using SSVEP and DSM-IV behavioural measures.
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Dr. Richard Silberstein
   Status: Published as a PhD study. Being prepared for publication in a journal
2. Comparison of treatment effects of Stimulant Medication to Neurotherapy, using TOVA and DSM-IV behavioural measures.
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Gabriel Francis, Ceylan Gocman, Marissa Donelli
   Status: Data collected, being prepared for publication.
3. Comparison of the treatment effects of Neurotherapy to a waiting control group, using TOVA and DSM-IV behavioural measures.
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Gabriel Francis, Ceylan Gocman, Marissa Donelli
   Status: Data collected, being prepared for publication.
4. Effect of Enzogenol supplementation on symptoms and Brain Electrical Activity of boys with ADHD. 
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Dr. Matt Flavel.
   Status: Data collection has started.
5. Review of the literature regarding the use of Neurotherapy in the treatment of ADHD
   Authors: Dr. Jacques Duff, Dr. Richard Silberstein, Dr. Richard Clark, Gabriel Francis, Dr Siobhan Pirola Merlo, Ceylan Gocman, Marissa Donelli
   Status: Being prepared for publication.Waiting for 1,2 and 3 above to be published first,