A Study of Infant Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

A joint research project of The Children's Hospital in Hamilton (Hamilton Health Sciences) and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and the IWK Health Centre in Halifax

Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Dr. Susan Bryson, Dr. Wendy Roberts and Dr. Peter Szatmari are researching the early development of infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Siblings are followed long-term, starting at 6-12 months of age, to monitor early social and communication development, and to ensure that siblings who experience difficulties can receive appropriate support and intervention.

Siblings can be seen in Toronto, in Hamilton or in Halifax, and will be followed closely by the developmental pediatrician and/or psychologist at each site.

Intervention, directed by a clinical psychologist experienced in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) methods, will be provided to those siblings who exhibit early signs of difficulty. The child in the family who has already been diagnosed with autism will also be seen for a comprehensive developmental assessment.

Travel costs are reimbursed and copies of assessment reports are provided to families. If you are the parent of a child who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and also have an infant under the age of 12 months, you may be interested in participating in this study.

In Hamilton - Michelle Pawliw, Research Co-ordinator, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 905-521-2100, ext. 74939

In Toronto - Bonnie MacKinnon, Research Co-ordinator, Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, 416-813-8748

In Halifax - Terry McCormick, IWK Health Centre/Dalhousie University, 902-470-7275