Autism Research

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Studies currently underway may provide clues for treatment,

--Excerpted from the Autism Society of America's Web site http://www.autism/society.org.

The international collaborative Network on Biology and Brain Development in Autism was established in 1997 by the National Institutes of Health through the work of the Autism Society and their parent letter writing campaign. With the goal of solving the "mystery of autism" it puts the best scientific methods, researchers and tools together in a collaborative effort. The Network is co-funded by the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), the Office of the Director of the overall National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the NIH Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM).

The following is a list of the Network studies. There is no charge for any service provided as part of the research studies. All eligible subjects receive free diagnostic and, neuropsychological evaluations. No treatments are provided as part of this Network. Because of research requirements, each study has eligibility criteria for participation. Anyone interested in participating should contact the study coordinator for more in-depth information.

Genome Studies of Families with More than One Child with an Autism Disorder

One of the best ways to find the genes for autism is to perform a genome-wide screen for autism susceptibility genes, using DNA from families with more than one child who has autism disorder (autism, Asperger's etc.). These families are known as multiplex families. The University of Washington and Yale University (see below) both need your help in finding the autism gene(s) through a genome search. Both projects include scientists and …