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Edward Sucksmith
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I received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Wales, Cardiff and a Master of Science in Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Oxford. As part of my PhD thesis, my current research looks at the ‘Broader Autism Phenotype’ (BAP), investigating the way in which autistic characteristics and related cognitive traits aggregate and are expressed in the ‘extended’ family. This research project is a collaboration between the Open University and the Autism Research Centre of the University of Cambridge. By examining which cognitive and behavioural traits are most frequently expressed in relatives of people with autism, we can pinpoint down which particular traits are most likely to be under genetic influence. We will also study whether the aggregation of autistic traits varies in different types of families. This research project will contribute to a better understanding of the heterogeneity of the autism spectrum and will aid geneticists to find the genes associated with autism spectrum conditions. Using the results of our study, future projects can search for genes associated with specific autistic traits in particular families, which will make the gene search much more powerful.
In addition to my PhD research, I also take a strong interest in the evolutionary implications of the proximate mechanisms behind autism. This includes both the biological evolution of social cognition and the evolution and transmission of culture.
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Email Edward Sucksmith
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