The MINDDful-XD research study is aimed at understanding the mind-body connection and its role in ADHD, autism, Tourette Syndrome (TS) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The collection of microorganisms that live in our gut, known as the gut microbiome, play an important role in the development and regulation of the immune system and affect how the brain develops and functions.
This study brings together the expertise of neurologists, microbiologists, immunologists, and neurodiverse children and their families, to explore how the gut microbiome influences the development and severity of these conditions. This study will also investigate co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, gastro-intestinal and autoimmune disorders, allergies, in addition to the symptoms associated with ADHD, autism, TS, and OCD. We will also be examining the role of prenatal and maternal health, medications, and diet. The results of this exploratory study will be used to develop microbiome-based strategies in the future that support the health, well-being, and goals of neurodiverse children and adults.
This exploratory study is intended to be the first phase of the MINDDful-XD research study cohort. We hope this study will act as a starting point for further investigations that help us understand how the microbiome influences neurodevelopment and create opportunities for neurodiverse individuals and their families to engage in research partnerships that are both meaningful and beneficial to them. We would like to welcome you to connect with us anytime if you have feedback, questions, are interested in contributing to possible research ideas, or if you would like to take an active role in family research partnerships in the future that will determine new directions for neurodiversity research. Please feel free to contact minddfulxd@ucalgary.ca any time to share your thoughts or learn more about our research.
MINDDful-XD Study 