Research Studies

The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) invites you to take part in a vital new research study. In diabetes and cancer research, genetic samples provided by patients have led to many effective treatments and therapies. The number of genetic samples available in autism research is limited, and is preventing progress from being made. Now, we at the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), together with our partners at UCLA and Washington University, hope to collect a large number of genetic samples for autism research. Participants will receive a $25 amazon.com gift card for each genetic sample provided.

Participation involves a free blood draw for your child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at a local LabCorp. (LabCorp is a national network of medical laboratory facilities.) We ask that your child with an ASD, and his or her oldest unaffected sibling under age 18 (if any), provide a sample. This is because researchers need samples from both affected and unaffected people in the same family. DNA will then be extracted from the blood and become part of a new collection of genetic information for autism research. To participate:

1. Log on to IAN Research (www.ianresearch.org).
(If you’ve forgotten your password or IAN user ID, click on “forgot my password or IAN ID.”)

2. Find the Genetics Consent Form listed in your Family Profile under the name of your child.

3. Follow the instructions. The final step is to click YES to provide your electronic consent.

4. If your child with ASD has any unaffected siblings, please repeat steps 2 and 3 for the oldest brother or sister who is not yet 18. (By default, we have provided a Genetics Consent Form for the oldest unaffected brother or sister who is between the ages of 4 and 17. If you’d prefer that a sibling other than the oldest one provide the sample, contact the research team and we can make that change for you.)

5. You will receive an e-mail with more information about the study within 24 hours. It will include an instruction sheet and LabCorp Requisition Form, which you will take to your child's blood draw. You'll receive a separate e-mail, instruction sheet, and LabCorp Requisition Form for each participating child. Please note: there will be no cost for your lab visit.
(Please contact us if you do not receive our welcome e-mail with the attachments.)

IAN will send you a $25 amazon.com gift card for each child who:

1. Has submitted a blood sample, and

2. Has a completed Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in his or her IAN profile. If you haven’t completed the SCQ yet, log on to IAN Research and complete this 10 minute, 40 item questionnaire for your child with ASD and, if applicable, his or her sibling.

The need for genetic samples in autism research is urgent. We hope you will consider participating in this effort to increase the number of genetic samples available to researchers.

Thank you so much for your ongoing participation in IAN. We appreciate all you do. Please contact us if you have any questions at 866-348-3440 or IANgenetics@kennedykrieger.org.