Workshop on Autism Susceptibility Genes

Twin studies suggest that autism has a large genetic component; however, to date, few autism susceptibility genes have been identified. The Foundation has mounted a major initiative to identify these genes, and supports genetics projects to deepen our understanding of the underlying molecular and biological processes involved in autism. This knowledge may one day provide the framework for medical remediation. In September 2005, the Foundation hosted a Boston Club workshop on autism susceptibility genes which afforded the opportunity for its funded investigators to present their preliminary data and/or the results of their genetics research.

A Genetic Study of Mathematical Talent and Asperger’s Syndrome
Simon Baron-Cohen, Ph.D., Cambridge University

Alan Ezekowitz, MBCHB, D. Phil, Massachusetts General Hospital

Al Galaburda, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Brian Gilman, Panther Informatics

Genes for Autism and Absolute Pitch
Peter K. Gregersen, M.D., Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore LIJ Health System

Ingrid Holm, MD, MPH, Children’s Hospital Boston

Investigation of Imprinted Chromosomal Regions and Mitochondrial Haplotypes in Autism
Lindsey Kent, MBChB., Ph.D., MRC Psych, Cambridge University

Genetics Studies of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Isaac Kohane, MD, Ph.D., Children’s Hospital Boston

A Family Study of Genetic Susceptibility to Autistic Traits
Katherine Lawrence, Ph.D., University College London

Identifying and Understanding the Actions of Autism Susceptibility Genes
Anthony Monaco, MD, Ph.D., Oxford University

Richard S. Nowakowski, Ph.D., UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Damon Page, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Establishment of a Well-Characterized Cohort for Autism Studies at the Massachusetts General Hospital
Susan Santangelo, Sc.D., Massachusetts General Hospital

Jim Simons, Ph.D., The Simons Foundation

Marilyn Simons, Ph.D., The Simons Foundation

Richard Smith, The Smith Family Foundation

Katherine Tsatsanis, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital

Recessive Genes for Autism and Mental Retardation
Chris Walsh, MD, Ph.D., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

2005

Hotel Commonwealth, Boston, MA