The Autism Genetics Program represents a centralized genetic initiative in autism genetics. This initiative currently includes the family studies of the Family Studies Research Center, the molecular genetics of the Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychiatry, the functional genetics of the Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychiatry, and, most recently, the clinical genetics collaboration between the Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychiatry, the Autism Clinical Program, the Autism Assessment Program, and the Department of Genetics and Genome Science.

Clinical Genetics
We have partnered with the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and the Institute of Personalized Medicine to translate the research findings from the Seaver Autism Center and from other laboratories around the world into state-of-the-art genetic tests to supplement behavioral assessments in autism and related conditions.

Molecular Genetics
We continue to use state-of-the-art molecular genetic approaches resources to identify additional genetic causes of autism, making use of detailed behavioral and medical assessments provided by the Autism Assessment Program and the Family Studies Program.

Autism Model Systems Initiative
The Seaver Autism Center is a preeminent site for functional genetics relating genetic causes for autism and related conditions to underlying changes in brain function. These approaches are leading to new interventions in autism and related conditions.

Because identifying causal variants in autism immediately leads to animal models and new conceptualization of causes of autism and related conditions, we are expanding our animal and molecular neurobiological studies of genes in autism. The Seaver Autism Center has already supported the development of eight mouse models that recapitulate different aspects of autism, as a means to deepen our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms in autism and to be useful for evaluating therapeutics.

Family Studies
The Family Studies Research Center conducts genetic, as well implicit learning research, in order to elucidate the factors that may be associated with autism. We use molecular biology, quantitative genetics, multidimensional family studies assessments, interactive and observational measures, and laboratory response tasks in an effort to study the disorder from all perspectives.

Current Studies

The Autism Genome Project (AGP)
The Autism Simplex Collection (TASC)
We are looking for genes that play a role in autism and related conditions and how these disorders run in families. Because the genetic testing is for research purposes only we are not able to give any results; but if we find any already known genetic condition, we would help identify physicians and genetic counselors to confirm the results. Everything we collect, with the families' permission and without any personal information, can also go to the National Institute of Health repository, so that in a few years, qualified researchers and scientists can do their own genetic analyses.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: Study participants must be between the ages of 18 months and 21 years, diagnosed with autism or autism spectrum condition. Participants must have two biological parents willing to give blood. Siblings may participate.

Contact: Danielle Zurawiecki (212) 659-8767

Greater NY Autism Research Center of Excellence
A series of in-person interviews, observations, and intelligence tests to determine how difficulties in social interaction and/or communication run in families. A small blood sample is also required to explore how a gene or genes might underlie the development of these issues.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: Study participants must be ages 18 months or older, diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition, and have two or more family members.

Contact: Lauren Brickman (212) 659-5655 or Lauren Donnelly (212) 659-5654