Have you heard about the new Canine,
Kids and Autism study? The American Humane Association is partnering
with Translational Genomics Research Institute
(TGen), a non-profit, to research the genetic tendencies of
obsessive-compulsive behavior in purebred Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinchers and
Jack Russell Terriers. They hope to
apply this knowledge to find the origins of these behaviors in Autistic
children and, therefore, be able to provide earlier diagnoses to worried
parents and more viable treatments for affected children.
According to the American Humane Association, “Using
state-of-the-art technology, TGen scientists will conduct whole genome
sequencing to analyze the genomes of these dogs in hopes of pinpointing those
genes that might be responsible for atypical behaviors. The study aims to
provide both physicians and veterinarians with new insights for earlier
diagnoses and innovative therapeutics.”
How You Can
Help
TGen’s research
is driven by owner-donated samples. (They state that no dogs are housed for
research purposes or harmed in any way.)
According to TGen’s
website, they “perform the necessary DNA analyses with a simple sample of a
dog's saliva or cheek cells, which can easily be collected from home. Blood
samples drawn by your veterinarian are also welcome. Any owner of a purebred
dog can help advance ongoing research.”
TGen is currently
recruiting samples representing a wide variety of disorders – including Autism
- across many representative breeds. If
you are an owner of one of the listed breeds (from the DNA kit form), you are
invited to participate by submitting a DNA sample. Samples are needed from both
healthy “control” dogs as well as dogs affected with the disorders under
investigation.Additionally, federal funding is not available for this study. The collaborators (American Humane Association, TGen, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Massachusetts Medical School) are seeking private funding for this research. If you are interested in donating, please contact American Humane Association at 866-242-1877.
If your child has been diagnosed on the spectrum and you are
researching fun activities that can help regulate energy and improve motor skills,
visit www.FitnessForHealth.org or
call 301-231-7138.
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