Numerous autism cases have been reported with large pieces of 15 deleted or duplicated. These were large enough to be visible on a karyotype, which involves looking at the chromosomes under an ordinary microscope. At the last World Congress on Psychiatric Genetics meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a collaborative group from Europe presented evidence for a possible gene on Chromosome 7. Currently, CAP is analyzing our families to see whether we can replicate this finding. We are involved in a national effort to recruit eligible families who can help us in our research efforts.
Participation involves some interviews, cognitive testing, and blood draw.
If you or someone you know has more than one family member diagnosed within the autism spectrum, please contact the nearest CAP site. Return to the New England Medical Center Home Page .