What we are studying

The main goal of this research initiative is to learn about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including how to make sense of the incredible variability within the diagnosis, how to improve diagnosis, and how to find new effective treatments and supports forAutistic individuals. Children, teens,  and adults with ASD or related conditions are particularly encouraged to consider participating; however we welcome everyone to participate. Participants are asked to provide a blood sample that will be stored in a research biobank for use in future research studies. We will also link to your medical record and ask you to complete a short survey. This study does not involve a drug treatment or other treatment, nor does it require participants to change or stop their medications.

Why it is important

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition whose underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. There are many competing hypotheses about what gives rise to autism. A significant challenge to better understanding this condition is the incredible variability in clinical presentation. Symptoms are complex and range from mild to severely disabling. This variability has led many to believe that there are likely subtypes of autism under the current diagnostic term ASD, with different underlying causes, which if better understood, would likely lead to the development of more effective, more personalized treatments.

This research study is being conducted in conjunction with the MGB Biobank. The MGB Biobank has been enrolling participants in the context of clinical care appointments at BWH and MGH since 2010, however, there are only a small number of blood samples from individuals with ASD in the biobank, limiting the research that can be conducted in this population, and thus holding back the progress that can be made.

What we hope to accomplish

We hope to increase the representation of individuals with ASD and their family members in the research biobank to enable more innovative research studies to ultimately help improve the lives of those with ASD.