MU center joining largest autism study in the U.S.

The Thompson Center at the University of Missouri is now taking part in the country’s largest autism study to date. It is one of just 21 institutions helping collect data from 50,000 people and their families.

Researchers want to study factors involved in the spectrum disorders.

So far, 50 genes have been identified as playing a possible role, but there could be another 300. They want to cover all ages, races, backgrounds, incomes and regions.

If you want to learn more about participating, you can go to www.SPARKforAutism.org/MUTC, or call Amanda Shocklee at (573) 884-6092.

From SPARK:

“Registering… can be done entirely online and at no cost. DNA will be collected via saliva kits shipped directly to participants. Once the SPARK participant’s family has returned their saliva samples and provided some medical and family history information, the SPARK participant will receive a $50 gift card.”