Aims and functions

The primary aim of BASIS is to provide a platform for the study of infants at-risk for autism in the UK and to facilitate collaborative links between scientists working in the area.

This will be achieved through establishing a national focal point for recruitment, data sharing, and scientific exchange. BASIS also aims to:

•provide a national strategic focus and direction for research on infants at-risk for autism in the UK

•facilitate collaboration between clinical scientists and basic scientists working on infant siblings within the UK and abroad

•disseminate public information for families involved in research as well as for the general public.

BASIS provides support for scientific projects once these projects become affiliated with the network. Support can be provided at multiple levels:

•Recruiting of families interested in taking part in current or future research studies and maintaining this information in a Recruitment Database;

•Implementing the Network Protocol for some affiliated projects;

•Maintaining an anonymised shared Data Repository of measures from the Network Protocol;

•Providing public information related to research on infant siblings via the website, information packages, and direct communication with parents.