The first phase of the project will involve researching the currently available information and surveying both the general public and various communities about their knowledge of and attitudes towards human genetics and genetic testing. The project will then develop partnerships with an array of consumer organizations, ethicists, educators, information technologists, health practitioners, state genetic programs and others. Autism is a severe brain disorder characterized by profound social withdrawal, repetitive behavior and an inability to communicate. The study of 57 autism patients found that 40 percent carry a mutated version of the HOXA1 gene, which plays a crucial role in the early development of the brain. One inherited copy of the gene can lead to autism.
Researchers believe that if a copy is inherited from both parents, the fetus most often dies.
HOXA1 is one of a family of genes known to be vital to early embryo development because they turn other genes on or off. Mice that lack the gene have brainstem damage, malformed ears and other classic signs of autism. This was one reason the researchers decided to check the gene s role in humans. There is a discount for registering prior to January 31, 2001. The deadline for submitting forms for posters and oral presentations is also January 31.