Finding the cause of ASD is the first step to creating better treatments. One strong area of research is genetics. A few years ago, about 150 families who have two children affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder took part in a study at McMaster University, McGill University, and at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The researchers from these institutions formed a collaboration they called Can-A-Gen (Canadian Autism Genetics). When Can-A-Gen invited other research groups in the United States and United Kingdom to join forces with them, the number of participating families increased to 1,000. These larger numbers increase the likelihood that ASD genes will be identified.

The Can-A-Gen newsletters are produced yearly to provide participating families with updates about the progress being made. By posting the newsletters on the CAIRN Web site, we can now let other families and friends of children with ASD know about the research being done to help find the cause.

Download an issue of the Can-A-Gen newsletter using the following links.

Fall 2007, 1.06MB

Summer 2007, 616kb

Fall 2005, 425kb

Summer 2004, 359kb

Summer 2003, 551kb