THE POND NETWORK
A research network striving to understand the biology underpinning of neurodevelopmental disorders.
The POND Network is a research network striving to understand the biology underpinning of neurodevelopmental disorders to improve diagnosis, care and long-term outcomes for children, youth, and young adults. Neurodevelopmental disorders studied in the POND Network include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tourette syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Rett syndrome, Down Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome or any genetic changes associated with neurodevelopmental differences.
Mission
The POND Network focuses on understanding the neurobiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. The POND Network aims to translate findings into effective new treatments. There is an extensive clinical trials network within POND that is the first in Canada of its kind. This research strategy will accelerate the development of new interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders that are more targeted to each person’s specific biology, thus improving long-term outcomes.
Research
There is a limited understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Some biological mechanisms are only seen in some individuals with the same diagnostic label. Other biological mechanisms are common across multiple diagnostic labels. POND researchers are investigating these similarities and differences across disorders. POND uses many types of tools and methods in this research. These provide comprehensive data on clinical, behavioural and biological features of each participant. This data will advance our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and the underlying biology. The POND Network is also using this data to discover individualized treatments based on a person’s biology.NETWORK
The POND Network consists of a team of clinicians, scientists, engineers and other partners from the public and private sector located across Ontario.
Participating Institutions
Partner
