Autism is a developmental neurologic disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction, delayed and disordered language, abnormal responses to sensory stimuli, poor eye contact, and an insistence on sameness in the environment. The etiology of autism is unknown and the disorder is thought to be highly genetic but the causative genes have not been identified. In the Blatt Lab for Autism Research, we investigate the possible underlying substrates of the disorder taking a developmental approach. We study the neuropathology and neuropharmacology of autism utilizing modern methods such as in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry and in vitro ligand binding for neurotransmitter receptors. We are currently investigating many areas of the human brain via post-mortem tissue sections including the brainstem, cerebellum, limbic system and cerebral cortex. Our focus has concentrated mainly on the GABAergic system since this system is affected in autism in multiple brain areas. We have also recently revealed changes in specific types of serotonergic and cholinergic receptors as well. Through the use of biological markers, we label specific types of fibers and neurons and gain insights into the developmental timing of autism. The lab is also part of the NIH funded Autism Center of Excellence (STAART) and has a major project on this inititive investigating neuropathologic and neuropharmacologic changes in brain areas involved in socio-emotional aspects of behavior in autism.