Research Projects
North East Georgia Chapter of the Autism Society of America
| Home | Announcements, Awards and Recognition | Alerts / Legislative Action | Conferences and On-Line Information | Resources and Assistance | Research Projects

Family Studies Research Program at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine

The Family Studies Research Center at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine is conducting a genetic research study of autism and related disorders (e.g., Aspergers Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder).  They are working with centers for autism research and treatment, in order to reach out to families across the United States who might be interested in participating with them.  Nationwide, they plan to study 600 families with multiple cases of autism or related disorders. 

                The major goal of the project is to identify a gene, or set of genes, that underlie autism and related disorders.  Research suggests that certain types of disorders, such as autism, have a very strong genetic component.  By studying families with two or more cases of autism, or a related disorder, researchers can identify genetic factors that may pass from one generation to the next and predispose some family members to spectrum disorders.

                As researchers, we share the hope for many families affected by autism that future generations will not have to confront this debilitating disorder.  It will take both researchers and families to realize this goal.  Your participation will help scientists an doctors to better understand the causes of autism and related disorders, to that more effective treatments, strategies for prevention, and possibly a cure can be developed.

 

What does participation involve and who can participate?

                This study involves in-person interviews, an interactive observation with the children involving toys, book and other activities, and a blood sample.  At your convenience, a trained member of the research team will meet with you either in your home or at their offices.  Daytime, evening and weekend appointments are available.  Families in which two or more relatives have autism or a related disorder can participate in this study.

                Families are not compensated for their participation, but will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses.

                If you have questions, want to learn more about our program, or want to participate, please contact Lauren Kryzak at 718.584.9000, x6961 or email Lauren.Kryzak@mssm.edu .  You can also visit us on the web at:  www.mssm.edu/psychiatry/famstud.shtml.

 

Vanderbilt University Children's Hospital
Nashville, TN

We are particularly trying to reach families of children with Autism who may have younger siblings between 12 and 23 months old.  We have three connected studies, an NICHD study of "Social Orienting in Siblings of Children with ASD", a NAAR study of "Early Screening for Autism in Children under 24 months", and "EEG power and growth in joint attention in ASD children and their siblings" that all need subjects from this population.  Families do receive $50 savings bonds for each of the two visits that constitute participation in the NAAR study. Families with siblings who are 12 to 18 months old are eligible for the NICHD study, which involves 6 visits over 2 years and offers a total of $450 dollars in savings bonds. Families receive $25 dollars for each of four visits in the EEG study.

 

Lynnette M. Henderson, Ph. D
TRIAD Postdoctoral Fellow/ Research Instructor
Center for Child Development
Department of Pediatrics
415 Medical Center South
Vanderbilt University Children's Hospital
Nashville, TN 37232-3573
(615) 936-0448
 

Nonexperimental Quantitative Research on the Early Identification of Autism

 My name is Candace Delpino, and I am a graduate student in the field of Speech-Language Pathology at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. I am in the process of planning a research study for the completion of my Masters degree. The focus of my research is early identification of Autism. I am aware of the difficulty and frustration many parents experience before receiving an appropriate diagnosis for their child. I am also aware that many parents observe differences in their childs behavior or development at an early age. I hope that the results of this research can be used to support the current pursuit of a suitable assessment tool that can be used for an appropriate early diagnosis. I also hope to further expand my knowledge and the knowledge of others in the field of professionals that work with your children who have an autistic spectrum disorder.   If you would like to participate please contact us.

 If you have any questions that may help you decide, please email me at CAA_01@msn.com or Dr. Eileen Abrahamsen at eabraham@odu.edu for more information.

 

Thank you for your time,

 

 

Candace Delpino, BS

Graduate Student

Old Dominion University

Enter supporting content here