Research
Emphasis Areas

Research Affiliates

Core Services
Behavioral Science Core

Brain Imaging Core

Cellular Morphology Core

Genetics Core

Infant Primate Research Laboratory Core

Instrument Development Laboratory Core

Elizabeth Aylward, Ph.D.

Professor of Radiology
Research Affiliate, Center on Human Development and Disability
Associate Coordinator, Brain Imaging, Neuroscience Core
eaylward@u.washington.edu
206-221-6610
University of Washington, Box 357115
Seattle, WA 98195-7115

Dr. Aylward's research focuses on the use of brain imaging with structural and functional MRI (fMRI) to determine what abnormalities characterize various neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders in human development. She also is interested in determining interventional applications that can improve the quality of life of children with specific disabilities.

Aylward and colleagues are using fMRI on high-functioning adolescents and adults with autism to determine whether training with face processing will lead to normal activation of the fusiform gyrus brain region in autism. One goal in Aylward's lab is to detect the earliest signs of Huntington’s disease and determine how to predict timing of the beginning clinical manifestations of the disease. This information is essential for future trials of experimental drugs that could delay onset of HD, slow its progression, and ultimately prevent it altogether. As part of the CHDD's fetal alcohol syndrome research team, Aylward performs structural and functional MRI scans on children with known prenatal exposure to alcohol abuse to determine what types of cognitive and behavioral problems are associated with what types of brain abnormalities.

CHDD Outlook article on Huntington's disease research

CHDD Outlook article on analysis of fMRI

University of Washington • Center on Human Development and Disability Box 357920 • Seattle WA 98195-7920 USA • 206-543-7701 •chdd@u.washington.edu