Baby Hair Still Needed for National Autism Research Study

Recent studies of the baby hair of children who later developed autism found lower than typical levels of mercury and other minerals. Researchers at Arizona State University are conducting research to attempt to replicate and possibly extend these findings.

These researchers need help from the parents with clippings from their child's first haircut. They are looking for volunteers with the following qualifications:

• Born between 1988 and 1999
• Is willing to share a sample of baby hair if from a first haircut when the child was between 12 and 24 months.
• Can provide a copy of vaccination records including some information available from the office where the vaccinations were given (including manufacturer's name and the vaccination lot number)
• For children with autism, a written diagnosis of autism (DSM IV code 299.0 only) from a professional.
• For children who are not diagnosed with autism normal development, no history of Aspergers, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or speech/language delay, normal vaccination schedule up to the age of the first haircut.

Parents will be asked to provide brief information about their child's medical history and severity of autism symptoms.

Volunteer families will receive the results of their child's hair analysis, a $20 gift certificate to Toys `R' Us, and a copy of the study findings.

To participate or for more information contact Dr. James Adams at Arizona State University.

James B. Adams, Arizona State University, PO Box 876006,Tempe, AZ 85287-6006, 480.965.3316 (voice), www.eas.asu.edu/~autism/ (web), jromdalvik@aol.com (e-mail).