Research Study needs Participants

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

Information on a research study looking for participants. FYI - please share.

Sincerely,

Barbara C. YavorcikPresidentAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or impiled.

----------------------------------------------------

Dear Parents/Guardians of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders,Re: Invitation to participate in a research study on:Toxic Metals and Essential Minerals in Baby Teeth of Individuals with Autism and Typical IndividualsBackground: In a small pilot study, we found that children with autism had 2-3x as much mercury in their baby teeth compared to typical children. Previous studies have shown that baby teeth are a valid way to measure exposure to toxic metals during pregnancy and early infancy, when the teeth develop.Current Study: We are now conducting a much larger follow-up study to further investigate the amount of toxic metals and essential minerals in the baby teeth of children with autism vs. typical children. We are writing to invite you to participate in this voluntary study.Eligibility Criteria:The criteria for the study are that the participants:1) Have a baby tooth which was not altered by a filling, crown, cap, or similar dental operation2) Born between June 1946 and June 2004.3) For autistic children: a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (autism, pervasive developmental disorder, or Asperger’s) by a professionalIf you have an old baby tooth and meet the above criteria, we are requesting your voluntary participation in our study. If you choose not to participate or to withdraw from the study at any time, there will be no penalty. The results of the research study may be published, but your name will not be used, and we will maintain confidentiality of your test results.Study Procedure: The study will involve:1) Filling out the enclosed application form2) Filling out a 2-page questionnaire on child’s medical history and questionnaire on autistic symptoms (if applicable). These forms will be sent to you.3) Sending in the baby tooth (we will send you a container). More than one tooth from the same child may be sent.Each participant will be asked (but NOT required) to ask friends/neighbors to participate as controls.The amount of toxic and essential minerals in the teeth will be measured. Your individual results will be sent to you in 2-4 months, and we will send you a summary of our study results when our analysis is complete.Cost to participate: This study is free to Arizona residents. For non-Arizona residents there will be a cost of $200 to participate, but people unable to pay that cost may submit an application and their names will be placed on a wait list while we wait for additional funding/donations.Questions? If you have any questions concerning the research study, please email .villa@.... If you do not have email access, you may call us at (480) 965-3316. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.Sincerely, B. , Ph.D.ProfessorArizona State University****************************************************************************Application Form for Parents of Individuals with Autism“Toxic Metals and Essential Minerals in Baby Teeth of Children with Autism and Typical Childrenâ€Parent/Guardian’s name______________________________________Mailing Address:________________________________________ _____City:__________________________________ State_______ Zip__________________Phone:_______________________________Email:_________________________________Participant’s name__________________________________________Participant’s birthdate_______________________ Sex:_______________Participant’s Ethnicity: Asian/Pacific Islander American Indian/Alaskan Native Black (not Hispanic) Hispanic Multi-Racial White (not Hispanic) OtherParticipant’s primary diagnosis (autism, Asperger’s, PDD/NOS,other)_____________Person who made diagnosis and their profession (if applicable):___________Other co-existing physical or mental health conditions:___________________For non-Arizona residents: Are you able to pay $200 for your testing? Yes NoIf your answer is “noâ€, your name will be placed on a waiting list in case we receive additional funding/donations.Please mail to:Autism Research ProgramArizona State UniversityPO Box 876006Tempe, AZ 85287-6006If questions, please email .villa@...If no email access, you may call (480) 965-3316