Landmark Autism Genetic Study Seeking Participants

CHICAGO, April 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Families affected by autism can participate in the nation's largest study to uncover important genetic links to the condition by attending on-site registration and data collection events in Northbrook and Evanston, Saturday, May 6. Families with a loved one on the autism spectrum are asked to share demographic, medical and behavioral information at: Have Dreams, 2020 Dempster St., Evanston, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or AHSS Autism Center, 85 Revere Drive, Suite B, Northbrook, 2 to 5 p.m. Participants with autism will receive a $50 gift card in the mail upon completion of the study.

The research project, called SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge), is working to collect family information and DNA samples from 50,000 individuals with autism and their family members. In Chicago, SPARK has partnered exclusively with Rush University Medical Center (RUMC). 

At the collection events, families are asked to fill out a short series of online forms and complete a DNA test consisting of a simple spit sample or cheek swab. Participants are strongly encouraged to RSVP for the event in advance, however walk-ins are welcome.

To RSVP for the Evanston or Northbrook collection events or for more information, contact Kathryn Heerwagen at the Autism Assessment, Research, Treatment and Services (AARTS) Center at Rush, (312) 563-2765, or email: Kathryn_A_Heerwagen@rush.edu. The AARTS Center provides unparalleled expertise in diagnosis, treatment and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

If you are unable to attend, please visit www.SPARKforAutism.org/rush to complete the entire study process from home.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/landmark-autism-genetic-study-seeking-participants-300439666.html

SOURCE The Autism Center at Rush