Of children and mice: The neurobiology of cognitive rigidity
What is the biological base for the rigid and inflexible behaviour that is seen both in young children and in patients with autism? In this project, we will study the involvement of the neurotransmitter dopamine by testing flexibility of behaviour in mice with an abnormality in the dopamine system.
In parallel, we will determine how medication that influences the dopamine system affects brain activity related to cognitive rigidity in patients with autism.