DNA Collection from a Cohort of Children with Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS and High-Functioning Autism and their Families 

This project involved the collection of DNA samples from 100 to 150 probands of high-functioning patients with autism spectrum diagnoses and their parents and siblings. Researchers used a candidate gene approach to contribute to the search for autism susceptibility genes. One of the major aims of this research was to investigate phenotypic markers, such as sensory processing differences or electrophysiological differences, for use in genetic studies. These may help to identify subgroups of patients with autism who may differ in their underlying neurobiological characteristics.