Funded by: National Institute of Health

What is the purpose of this study?

Dr. Sara Webb and researchers at the University of Washington want to learn more about the similarities and  differences between individuals with Fragile X Syndrome or Autism. In Fragile X Syndrome, one of the most noted behaviors is eye gaze avoidance. In Autism, shared attention deficits are one of the most consistent symptoms. While both groups demonstrate impairments or alterations in the use of eye gaze, it is unclear if these behaviors share the same underlying neural mechanisms.

How can I participate? What are the criteria?

All participants:

♦ Over 10 years of age.

♦ Must be able to communicate using 2-3 word simple phrases, can communicate wants/needs, has basic self help skills (like being toilet trained), and can perform simple feeding and dressing skills.

♦ Must be able to sit for up to 10 minutes at a time.

♦ Must NOT have epilepsy or significant sensory or motor impairments.

Individuals with Autism with cognitive delay:

♦ Must have a current clinical diagnosis of Autism.

Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome, including the full mutation and premutation:

♦ Must have had a genetic evaluation for Fragile X and have either the full mutation (with greater than 200 repeats) or the premutation (with 55 to 200 repeats).

What does participation in the study mean?

♦ A two hour phone call for the parent or guardian about the

participant’s social, communication, and adaptive functioning.

♦ One to two visits, for a total of 4 hours, to the

University of Washington for the participant & parent/guardian.

Tasks include assessments of IQ, social skills, memory abilities,

and brain functioning.

What will my family get out of the study?

♦ Participants will receive up to $80.00 in reimbursement.

♦ Participants who lives outside of the greater Seattle region (>75 miles from the University) may be reimbursed up to $300 per family for travel expenses.

What will my family get out of the study?

By participating in this study you will be helping to advance our understanding of the genetics associated with autism. This will aid research in developing methods of early detection and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

Whom should I contact to get involved?

To learn more about this study, please contact our Project at: 

1-206-616-6929

Dr. Sara Webb

University of Washington,

Eye Gaze Study

Box 357920 CHDD 314

Seattle, WA 98195

Email *: ddstudy@u.washington.edu

*Please remember we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of email.