The Simons Simplex Collection

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been estimated to occur in as many as 60 in 10,000 individuals. There is a 5-10% rate of autism reoccurring in siblings and a 60 to 90% concordance rate in identical twins. Research has supported the interaction of several genes causing an increased risk for developing autism. Over the past fifteen years, genetic research in autism has focused on defining the behaviors and traits associated with autism, targeting specific genes through linkage/association studies, and studying the association of autism with known genetic disorders.

We are looking for families interested in helping researchers understand the genetic causes of ASD. Sponsored by the Simons Foundation, there are several sites involved in this study, including the University of Illinois-Chicago, the University of California- Los Angeles, and Boston University. The Simons Foundation provides support to researchers studying ASD. They have established a repository for researchers. For additional information about the Simons Foundation, see: www.simonsfoundation.org and http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05349/622925.stm

For this study, we are recruiting families who have:

• One child aged five or older with ASD or a suspected ASD diagnosis,
• One or more child(ren) age four or older without ASD, and
• Both biological parents also willing to participate.

If your child has not previously participated in a diagnostic assessment at UMACC, he/she may be eligible for a free research assessment as part of this study. We will provide your family with a brief written report describing the results of the assessment.

Additionally, participation in this study involves the completion of interviews, questionnaires, and a blood draw. Blood will be donated to the Simons Foundation Repository. The Simons Foundation Repository collects, stores, and distributes DNA to researchers who are studying the genetics of ASD. Through performing genetic analyses, we hope to discover information that will help us better understand and treat this disorder.

As compensation for your time and travel, each participating family member will receive a $50 gift certificate upon completion of the entire protocol (including the blood draw).

Contact: Bethany Gorka
734-936-8600
bgorka@umich.edu

This study has approval from the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (IRBMED HUM00002515)