Health Research

Nov 14 2007

Largest Study Ever to Investigate Autism Risk Factors to Start Enrolling Families

Researchers from Kaiser Permanente and the California Department of Public Health, as well as from five other sites nationwide, are enrolling families in the largest study to date investigating the genetic and environmental factors that may cause autism and other developmental disabilities.

The five-year research study, called the Study to Explore Early Development, will involve 2,700 children and their parents from six areas around the nation, including Santa Clara and Alameda counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Children with autism and other neuro-developmental impairments (developmental delays), as well as children with typical development, will be studied and are being recruited.

Factors that will be studied include family medical history; genetics; and socio-demographic, lifestyle and environmental factors. Study information will be obtained by conducting interviews and exams, reviewing medical records, collecting cheek swabs, and blood and hair sampling.

For more information, read this news release.