Research

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 Alexandra Fortuna @ 781-860-1714 or afortuna@partners.org with any questions.

Does your child have ASD? Does your child also have stomach or intestinal problems?

Doctors at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) are doing a research study to learn if a dairy free-gluten free diet is helpful in improving gastrointestinal symptoms associated with autism. 

This is a 14-week study that requires between 5 & 9 office visits.  All study related activities -including physical exams, blood samples and allergy testing - and an amino acid based supplement drink, are at no cost.   Research study visits will take place at MGHfC in Boston, or at Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton, or at LADDERS in Lexington.

To take part in this research study you must be:

· A child between 2 and 17 years old

· Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

· Experiencing at least 2 gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

§  Diarrhea

§  Constipation

§  Reflux

§  Abdominal pain (such as signs of pain after eating &/or self injurious behavior)

§  Suspected food allergy

· Willing to follow a gluten free-dairy free diet for 12 weeks

· Willing to drink 2 or 3 cartons (juice-box size) of an amino acid based supplement drink daily for 12 weeks

For more information please contact Marie Washek at 617-243-6155



Research Opportunity

Participation in Research Studies

The Autism Consortium depends on the families who have volunteered not only to join studies but also to contribute their ideas to the world's best researchers and physicians to accelerate new diagnostic tools and therapies for autism spectrum disorders.

Discovering new genes and improved diagnostics

We have just launched a new study for families that have a member diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study involves providing blood samples as well as an assessment battery including IQ tests, questionnaires and observations. Parents and siblings, along with the family member diagnosed with an ASD, are invited to participate.

The goals of this study are:

• To discover new genes involved in ASDs
• To establish a comprehensive and efficient assessment battery for improved evaluation of individuals with ASDS
• To better understand characteristics of the whole family, such as medical history to determine if there is a correlation between these family characteristics and any genetic differences so that we may better understand the gene(s) involved in ASDs.

The study will be conducted at all of our clinical sites throughout Boston and Cambridge, or can be performed at the family’s home. At the conclusion of the study, a detailed report of the assessment results for the family member with an ASD will be provided. The report will be reviewed with the family in-person or by phone if preferred. This valuable report and consultation is provided at no cost to families participating in this study.

This study is currently enrolling families at the following medical centers:
• Massachusetts General Hospital/Ladders
• Cambridge Health Alliance
• Boston Medical Center
• The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center
• Children's Hospital Boston

For additional information about this study please contact Jessica Jonas @ 781-860-1728 or jjonas1@partners.org