Neurodevelopmental Disorders Phenotyping Program

Phenotypic and Genetic Factors

What are the goals of this study?

The main goal of this study is to explore the genetic and environmental factors that may be involved in the development of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) - including Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and PDD-NOS - and other related disorders.

We hope that our findings will lead to a better understanding of why ASD occurs, and eventually allow doctors to diagnose children with ASD at an earlier age.

We also hope that our work will lead to new and better treatments for ASD, and better outcomes for children with ASD and their families.

We collaborate with the Simons Foundation, the Autism Consortium, and the National Institute of Mental Health for this study.

What is involved?

To achieve these goals, we are collecting many different types information.

Our team interviews all immediate family members, including parent(s), sibling(s) and the child with ASD. Parents answer questions about their child's developmental, behavioral, and medical history, including current symptoms and any treatments the child may have received.

The child with ASD completes some interactive play-based testing with one of our research assistants, and we also collect a blood sample from all participating family members.

This study is usually divided over 2 visits at Children’s Hospital Boston. Free parking at the hospital is provided.

Shortly after the visits, families receive a research report of our observations that includes developmental, cognitive, behavioral and social findings.

Who can participate?

Eligible families have a child with ASD, 18 months and older.

What else is important to know?

All of the information we collect will be stored securely in a way that keeps your family’s participation confidential.

Would you like to learn more?

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact us at 1-866-982-5826 or 617-355-9152. You can also email us at ASDResearch@childrens.harvard.edu

We look forward to speaking with you!