Research in our lab is primarily aimed at increasing our understanding of the cognitive and neural processes underlying typical and atypical development. As such, much of our work focuses on the development of cognitive abilities in children and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., autism, PKU) as well as the neurocognitive changes associated with pharmaceutical and behavioral interventions in these populations. In addition to conducting behavioral studies, we also utilize neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, sMRI, DTI) to better elucidate the neural substrates of cognition in individuals with and without early brain disruption. Some of our most recent work has focused on behavioral and brain improvements associated with treatment in individuals with PKU.
Cissne, M. N., Bellesheim, K. R., Cowan, N., & Christ, S. E. (in press). Visual working memory in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders. DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06600-2
Christ, S. E., Arnold, G., Licther-Konecki, U., Berry, G. T., Grange, D. K., Harding, C. O., Jurecki, E., Levy, H., Longo, N., Morotti, H., Sacharow, S., Thomas, J., & White, D. A. (2024). Initial results from the PHEFREE longitudinal natural history study: Cross-sectional observations in a cohort of individuals with phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency. Molecular Genetics & Metabolism, 143, 108541. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2024.108541
Boland, K. M., Singh, R. H., Schoen, M., Clocksin, H. E., Cissne, M. N., & Christ, S. E. (in press). The relationship between working memory and anxiety in individuals with early-treated phenylketonuria (PKU). Neuropsychology, 38, 368-378. DOI: 10.1037/neu0000942
Christ, S. E., Clocksin, H. E., Zalik, M., & Abbene, E. E. (2023). Neuropsychological Assessment using the NIH Toolbox in Adults with Phenylketonuria. Molecular Genetics & Metabolism, 139(1), 107579. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107579
Clocksin, H. E., Abbene, E. E., & Christ, S. E. (2023). A Comprehensive Assessment of Neurocognitive and Psychological Functioning in Adults with Early-Treated Phenylketonuria (PKU). Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 29, 641-650. DOI: 10.1017/S1355617722000686
Clocksin, H. E., Hawks, Z. W., White, D. A., & Christ, S. E. (2021). Inter- and Intra-Tract Analysis of White Matter Abnormalities in Individuals with Early-Treated Phenylketonuria (PKU). Molecular Genetics & Metabolism, 132, 11-18. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2020.12.001