Be an Oyster for Autism!

Hello,

I am a research assistant with the UNC Autism Research Project. We are
currently working on a study under the direction of Joe Piven on the
genetics of autism within extended families. I am inquiring about the
possibility of recruiting new participants though your agency. I'm not sure
what the most effective approach would be. We have IRB approved materials
including postcards, brochures, and emails that can be distributed. I have
attached a copy of our brochure and I have typed a description of the study
below . Please let me know if this would be a possibility. Thank you very
much for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Meghan Vanasek

North American Extended Family Study of Autism

The University of North Carolina Autism Research Program, under the
direction of Joseph Piven, MD is excited to announce a new research project
on autism. Our research group is looking at the genetics of autism in a
unique new way. We are looking at extended families, not just the mother,
father and children. We are looking at families that have individuals with
autism in more than one branch of the family. This way we can trace the
genes in the family to see if there are any similarities among family
members. We are also looking at language and personality styles, two very
important parts of how we relate to others, to see if these traits are
similar among family members. We are hoping to establish patterns among
extended families that will increase our knowledge about the genes that
contribute to causing autism.

We are looking for extended families with individuals who have a diagnosis
of autism, Asperger's syndrome, or PDD in three or more nuclear families. In
other words, these are families in which autism or autistic traits seem to
"run in the family" or in which both parents have autism or autistic traits
in their family of origin.

People who would like to contact us or who want to learn more about this
study can visit our website at www.ndrc.unc.edu/familystudy, or call us
toll-free at 1-800-793-5715 and ask about the "Extended Pedigree Study".
They can also email us at extendedfamilystudy@med.unc.edu.

Meghan Vanasek
Research Assistant
Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Center
Autism Research Program

Campus Box 3367
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3367
meghan_vanasek@med.unc.edu
T 919.843-1331
F 919.843.3825