Frontiers of Autism

Randi Hagerman, M.D.
Director of UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute
Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology
UC Davis Health System

Dr. Hagerman has more than 20 years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders and fragile X syndrome - the most common inherited cause of mental retardation. Her research focuses on the correlation between an individual's molecular genotype, or genetic make-up, and their physical and behavioral characteristics. She also has a strong clinical and research interest in autism and has conducted research examining the association between autism and fragile X syndrome.

She is also a world renown behavioral pediatrician and the Tsakopoulos-Vismara professor of Pediatrics at the University of California at Davis, Medical Center. Dr. Hagerman is the Director of the MIND Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopment Disorders) at UC Davis and has become internationally known as a Fragile X clinician and researcher. As the Director of the MIND Institute, Dr. Hagerman is at the helm of one of the country's premiere and only clinics for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of neurodevelopment disorders including Autism, Asperger's and Fragile X.

A founding Center for Fragile X Foundation Scientific Advisor, Dr. Hagerman has frequently testified to the U.S. Congress that "Fragile X is a 'research portal' for other brain disorders. It is the leading-edge candidate for a breakthrough in understanding many other diseases, especially unlocking autism". This fact of Fragile X as a 'portal' is most attractive to researchers such as Dr. Hagerman who recognize its potential to unlock the mystery of disorders that affect millions of people around the world. Dr. Hagerman has spent over 20 years on Fragile clinical work and research, particularly in molecular clinical correlation and treatment endeavors. Dr. Hagerman is the chairman of the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Committee of the National Fragile X Foundation. The third edition of Dr. Hagerman's book, Fragile X Syndrome: Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, was published in 2002, which is considered by physicians worldwide as the manual in treating children with autism and Fragile X.

The National Fragile X Foundation established the Hagerman Award for Research in FXTAS to honor Dr. Hagerman.