I study behaviour in rodent models of autism and intellectual disability.
There are several different genetic mutations that associate with the development of autism and intellectual disability in humans (e.g. Fragile X Syndrome, SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency). To investigate the behavioural consequences of these genetic mutations, we study behaviour in rat models of these monogenic disorders in our custom built Habitat housing system. The Habitat comprises of multiple compartments (up to 16, each with its own camera) that are interconnected via e.g. tubes/ladders and can house up to 60 rats. This housing system allows close and prolonged scrutiny of natural behaviours and can reveal phenotypes that would otherwise be missed in standardised housing.