Family Genetic Study of Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

We are conducting a research study that focuses on families affected by Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and/or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We are looking for common behavioral traits, such as attentional difficulties and impulsivity, which may be shared by these conditions. If found, we want to determine whether these traits are heritable, that is, can be passed down from parents to children. We hope that the information we learn will eventually help researchers to develop better treatments for these conditions.

We are enrolling families in which there is at least one child, 6 years of age or older, who has TS, ADHD, OCD, or any combination of these conditions. We would like the affected child, both biological parents, and any siblings over the age of 6 to participate. Participants will complete interviews, questionnaires and assessments examining areas such as attention, impulsivity, problem-solving, and visual-spatial skills. We will also collect a blood or saliva sample for DNA testing. Study participation is strictly voluntary and may require 3-6 hours per person for the completion of all study tasks. Upon completion of all study tasks, families will be paid $100 for their participation.

If your family meets these criteria and you are interested in learning more about this study, please call Sarah Glaser at 617-726-9257 or email sglaser@pngu.mgh.harvard.edu. Please visit our website at www.ts-adhd-ocd.org.

IRB (Massachusetts General Hospital) protocol #: 2005-P-000933

Contact Information:

Sarah Glaser

Clinical Research Assistant

Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit

Massachusetts General Hospital

185 Cambridge Street

Boston, MA 02114

Phone: 617-726-9257

Fax: 617-726-0830

sglaser@pngu.mgh.harvard.edu

Neurocircuitry of Autism Spectrum Disorders Study: Physician Summary

Neurocircuitry of Developmental Differences in Social and Repetitive Behaviors:

MRI, fMRI and TMS Studies

PURPOSE

This study uses functional brain imaging and noninvasive brain stimulation techniques to study the brain basis of developmental disorders. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to study the neurocircuitry of certain symptom clusters in developmental disorders.

STUDY DESIGN

Subjects with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified will be compared to healthy controls using a panel of neuropsychological tests, fMRI, and TMS. The fMRI paradigm is a passive task requiring the subject to watch a short series of films in the scanner. The form of TMS used in this study is low frequency TMS, which is minimal risk.

Volunteers should be between the ages of 18-35 and will receive a compensation of $15/hour plus $15 per procedure.


NYSPI IRB protocol #5438

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Office: 212-543-5647

Fax:   212-543-4284

Email:  BBClinic@columbia.edu

Alexandra L Sporn, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry

Division of Brain Stimulation and Therapeutic Modulation

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

New York State Psychiatric Institute

1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 21

New York, NY 10032

Participants Needed for ADBI Study

Participants are currently being recruited to study the effectiveness of a new measure, the Asperger’s Disorder Behavior Inventory™ (ADBITM) by Ira Cohen, PhD.

This instrument will assist in both the diagnosis and treatment planning of individuals who are classified at the higher range of functioning on the Pervasive Developmental Disability (PDD) spectrum and should be of benefit to the affected persons, their parents and to professionals. The study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities and will run through the summer of 2008.

Participants Needed: °ª Individuals who have been diagnosed by a clinical psychologist, school psychologist or other health professional as having Asperger’s, PDD-NOS, or High Functioning Autism and who score in the average to above average range in language ability. °ª Individuals who have been diagnosed by a clinical psychologist, school psychologist or other health professional as having ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Reading Disability or Nonverbal Learning Disability.

• Individuals must be between the ages of 5 and 21.


Participation Involves:

• One (or Two) parents completing the parent ADBI on their child or adolescent.
• One teacher completing the teacher ADBI on a student in his or her classroom.

• The Parent Version of the ADBI is 293 questions.
• The Teacher Version of the ADBI is 212 questions.
• Each version takes approximately 1/2 hour to complete.

• $20 for every completed form.
• A possible total of $60 if 2 parent ADBIs and 1 teacher ADBI are returned.
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Columbia University Study

Research: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain in People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

AT THE NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE

Columbia University in New York City will be conducting a research project exploring brain function using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a safe and noninvasive tool that takes pictures (images) of the brain. This project will focus on children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who have unique patterns of thinking, learning, and social interaction that reflect underlying differences in the structure and function of their brains. We invite you to participate in this project, which will help researchers see how the brains of individuals with ASD compare with the brains of typical age and IQ matched peers. This study is important in that doctors and scientists are just beginning to understand what these differences are, why they occur, and how they change with age.

Bradley S. Peterson, M.D., is the principal investigator of this study. He is the Suzanne Crosby Murphy Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Neuroimaging at the New York State Psychiatric Institute.

Who is eligible for this study?

Children and adults who currently have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder such as Autism, Asperger's Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder­Not Otherwise Specified (PDD), and:

• Minimal chronological age of 2 years
• Do not have claustrophobia
• Do not have any ferromagnetic or metal implants

• Eligible individuals participate in research assessments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (a scan of the brain), paper and pencil testing, and possible computer tests.
• Total time for this study to be completed is 3-6 hours.

IAN Research

To participate in IAN Research, families must have a child who:

1. Lives in the USA
2. Is less than 18 years of age, and
3. Has been told by a professional that they  have any of the following:
   • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
   • Autism
   • Asperger Syndrome
   • Autistic Disorder
   • Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
   • Pervasive Developmental Disorder ­ Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
   • Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

For more information, download the IAN Research PDF.

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Drug Study for Children with Autistic Disorder sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb

Does your child between the ages of 6-17, and do they have Autistic Disorder with severe behavioral problems such as : displays tantrums, aggression, and self- injurious behavior? Ages: 18-40

If so, your child may be eligible to participate in a research study being conducted at the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, North Shore-LIJ. This multi-site study is sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb, and its purpose is to determine if treatment with the study drug is effective in improving children's functioning and decreasing severe behavioral problems.

Participation in the study involves:

• A diagnostic assessment
• Weekly visits with the study psychiatrist and research staff to closely monitor participants and assess change
• Study drug for 8 weeks with the option of continuing with a 52-week open-label trial

All of the above is provided at no charge, including all aspects of the evaluation, study visits, and study drug.
For more information about the project, contact the study coordinator, Linda Spritzer, at 516-802-8608 or e-mail at Lspritze@nshs.edu.

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Autism Genetics Study

Researchers at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, North Shore- LIJ Health System are collaborating on an Autism Genetics study. The purpose of this research study is to identify genes that may predispose one to development of autistic disorder.

Grandmothers and Mothers Needed to Participate in Dissertation Research

A research study is being conducted to examine the roles and experience of grandmothers and mothers of children with autism contrasted with children with no disability. Grandparents of children with disabilities have added concerns and responsibilities, but rarely have access to adequate support and information, leading to confusion as to their appropriate role and degree of participation. This is unfortunate because grandparent involvement has been shown to reduce parents' stress, to expand and enrich the social worlds of autistic children, and to add dimension and meaning to grandparents' own lives.

The study uses questionnaires for grandmothers and mothers that take 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The questionnaires are mailed to you. All information gathered will be kept strictly confidential and will be stored in a locked file cabinet, to which only I, and my advisor, will have access.  At any time you can refuse to answer any questions or withdraw from the study. Your participation in this study will add to our understanding of the role and experience of grandmothers today in families of children with disabilities, as well as the families of children with typical development. 

If you are the mother or grandmother of a child between the ages of 6 and 14 who has been diagnosed with autism or Aspergers' disorder, or if you are the mother or grandmother of a child between the ages of 6 and 14 who has no disability, and you would like to participate in this dissertation research, please contact Alison Sullivan at (516)628 - 2823 or by email at absulli@aol.com

Dissertation Research on Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism

I am conducting my doctoral research project with parents who have a school-age child with Asperger's Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism.  Through the research I will be exploring parents' experiences surrounding their children's educational placements and treatments.  The goal of my research is to contribute to the literature on AS and HFA by highlighting parent and family experiences and creating a resource for parents who will face this challenge in the future.  Participation involves an initial phone interview lasting approximately 15 minutes, and a face-to-face interview lasting approximately 2 hours.  Confidentiality of all participants will be ensured, as no identifying information will be recorded.  I will meet each participant at the location of their choice.

This study is being conducted in order to fulfill doctoral requirements at Yeshiva University 's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.  Prior to beginning interviews, this study will be reviewed by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Committee on Clinical Investigations (CCI).  

If you are interested in participating in this study or would like additional information, please contact Margarete Bernath.

                     email: margareteb@excite.com

                     phone: 908-752-2427

Opportunity to Participate in Research Study

Cody Center

The Cody Center is currently recruiting participants ages 5-18 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, who are not on medication, to participate in a neuroimaging study. Younger patients, referred for a brain MRI with sedation for clinical reasons, could be also considered for the study.

The purpose of the study is to increase our understanding of the chemical structure of the brain in the presence of this disorder by using a MRI technique called MR Spectroscopy (MRS).

Participants will need to lie still for about 45 minutes to one hour (session can be divided or interrupted if needed) and they will receive a free MRI study of the brain as part of the procedure.

The procedure does not involve any injections; use contrast material or radiation. MRI/MRS are considered a safe procedure in children.

If you are interested in participating or wish to learn more about the study please contact:

Susan Scalfani

or

Opportunity to Participate in Research Study

Stony Brook University Hospital's General

Clinical Research Center,

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

The Cody Center is currently recruiting individuals with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate in a genetics study. Unaffected parents are also being asked to participate. We are particularly interested in enrolling individuals who have no significant family history of autism disorders and/or seem to have significant "delays in skills."

This study is a collaboration between

Stony Brook University Hospital's

General Clinical Research Center

The Cody Center

and

The purpose of the study is to look for evidence of
chromosomal mutations/abnormalities using new investigative techniques that are more sensitive than have previously been available.

Participants will meet with study personnel to ensure that they meet diagnostic and study inclusion criteria and to obtain blood samples. Parents of participants would be asked for a blood sample as well.

If you are interested in participating or wish to learn more about the study please contact:

Email: susan.sclafani@sunysb.edu

Invitation to Participate in a Research Study
on Asperger's Syndrome

An exciting research project for adults with Autism, Asperger's and PDD. In studying medication treatments, the focus is on treating symptoms of autism, including compulsive behaviors, social deficits, and language deficits. The medication aims to reduce irritability, aggression, impulsivity, and behaviors in which you injure yourself. The research study offers free testing to determine if you have an autism spectrum disorder, testing to see how you solve problems, and frequent visits with psychiatrists to closely monitor you and assess change over 12 weeks at no cost.

If you would like more information, please contact Jade Rusoff at (212)241-3692.

GCO# 04-1106 (IRB approved through 1/3/07)

Investigator:
Cheryl Smith Gabig, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
Lehman College/City University of New York
Bronx, NY 10468
718-960-8031
cheryl.gabig@lehman.cuny.edu
ctgabig@optonline.net

Dr. Cheryl Smith Gabig an Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at Lehman College/ The City University of New York is conducting a study of the language and cognitive-linguistic processing of children diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder – NOS (PDD-NOS) and children diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder without autism (DLD or Specific Language Impairment, SLI). She is seeking children diagnosed with PDD-NOS or DLD between the ages of 5 years 0 months and 7 years 11 months and whose nonverbal IQ is within normal limits.

The purpose of the study is to determine if the language and cognitive-linguistic processing of children with PDD-NOS can be clearly differentiated from the language disorders and subtype profiles seen in children with a developmental language disorder without autism (DLD). By investigating this, she will learn whether children with PDD-NOS have similar and overlapping language difficulty as children with a DLD and also whether subtypes of language/communication profiles can be found in children with PDD-NOS. This information will be useful for the identification, planning and intervention of language and communication needs of children with PDD-NOS.

If parents/guardians are interested in having your child participate in this study, you will be asked to sign a consent form for the child. Children will also be asked for their assent in participating in the study. Upon completion of the testing, you will receive information on your child's language functioning for potential use in educational planning.

All records of this study will be kept confidential, and your child's identity will be not be revealed on any forms or reports.

If you would like to have your child participate in this study, or have any questions please call Dr. Smith Gabig at Lehman College at either 718-960-8031 or 516-944-3170 or email her at ctgabig@optonline.net or at cheryl.gabig@lehman.cuny.edu.

Doctoral Student Doing Pilot Study
on Vocabulary Organization

Dr. Peter Gregersen, and his research assistant Elena Kowalsky are conducting a research study investigating musical pitch (or sound) perception in people with autistic spectrum disorders and their family members. Dr. Gregersen is director of the Division of Genomics and Human Genetics at the North Shore-LIJ Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset (part of the North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System).

Participation is conducted by mail, the Internet, and over the telephone. You do not need to have any prior musical training to participate in this study.

If you are interested in more information about this research study, please email Elena Kowalsky at elenak@nshs.edu or call their toll-free number at:

1-888-897-3098.

• 8-55 year olds with IQs of 80 and higher who may be diagnosed as having High Functioning Autism, Aspergers, PDDNOS or PDD.
• amilies with more than one child with ASD of any level of function.
• Families with one person with autism, of any level of function, where non autistic siblings over 8 and parents under 50 are willing to do eye movement studies and face and emotion studies
• Families with a child with autism, of any level of function, in which mom is in the third trimester of pregnancy or has an infant up to 5 months of age. They may be enrolled in the infant study of language for early detection of signs of autism.
• Twins of any age
• Anyone enrolling in any study is asked to donate blood for the genetics study to search for the genes; it is required for the multiplex study, but optional for the other studies.

• Parents/legal guardians of children 3 to 9 years old, who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (Autism Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified according to DSV-IV).
• Parents/legal guardians whose children receive occupational therapy services that can be either home or center-based, or a combination of both.
• The above mentioned occupational therapy services have been provided for at least twice a week for a period longer than six months during the last 2-3 years.
• Parents/legal guardians, who have (or have had) regular contact with their child's occupational therapist (talked to them at least once every two weeks) within the context of the intervention program that is (or was) followed.
• Parents/legal guardians who can communicate in English.

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