Samran Shahid

• Developing translational marmoset model of autism for social prediction: Behavioural characterisations on predictive learning using automated touch panel training systems.
• MB BS (NUMED Malaysia)

This project aimed to understand the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in marmoset monkeys using a social prediction task with a touchscreen and computational analysis of their behaviour. It's part of a larger effort to identify ASD's behavioural, cognitive, genetic, and neurophysiological traits, intending to enhance our understanding of ASD in humans for personalized diagnosis and treatment. 

In our study, we trained marmoset monkeys to perform touchscreen tasks, analyzing their responses with MATLAB while increasing task difficulty. They initially learned to associate button presses with rewards like juice. We then introduced varying reward scenarios to assess their ability to predict rewards. Remarkably, even social animals like marmosets exhibit response biases and varying sensitivity to rewards. 

By collecting data from four marmosets and one macaque, we aimed to uncover how social animals differ in behaviour and its relevance to ASD characteristics. This research is significant for identifying objective social markers for ASD, potentially enabling early diagnosis and more effective treatment, ultimately improving the lives of affected individuals. 

Funded by: Newcastle University Research Scholarship

Project Supervisor:  Dr Yukiko Kikuchi