The Sibling Study follows siblings of autistic children in order to identify early diagnostic markers for autism spectrum disorders.  The siblings are evaluated at 6 and 14 months and each year from ages 2 through 8.  Visits range from 2.5 to 5 hours long and consist of a battery of developmental scales evaluating cognitive, communication, and social skills.  In addition, information is collected about parent/child interactions, social, and play activities.  The evaluations range from more formal interactions completed at the table to observations of play behavior.  This is a multi-site study with locations at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Miami, and the LADDERS program in Boston. Dr. Margaret Bauman is the principal investigator for the Boston site.  

Enrollment for this study is closed but please contact Myrill Solaski at 781-449-6074 x1245 or msolaski@partners.org with any questions.