Research into Autism

 Irish Centre for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN) 

I hope this email finds you well. I am contacting you in relation to the GEMMA study (Genome, Environment, Microbiome and Metabolome in Autism). GEMMA is an EU funded international project that has research partners in Ireland, Italy, and the United States. GEMMA aims to better understand the development of autism symptoms over time, and to examine the role of the gut microbiome in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This research will facilitate identification of biomarkers to improve the treatment of gastrointestinal problems that occur in up to 80% of children with autism.

To be eligible to participate in GEMMA, families living on the island of Ireland need to have a child with autism and a baby aged between 0 and 6 months or to be pregnant with a baby.  There are several benefits for the families who participate in this research. Every 6 months from when participants are aged 1-3 years, an experienced clinical psychologist will conduct an autism assessment.

We are aware that you are in daily contact with parents who may want to participate in this research. We would greatly appreciate if you could circulate the accompanying flyer to parents who may be interested in participating in GEMMA. Also, below is a link to our Facebook advertisement that you may be able to share online to reach interested parents:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02VDm2tsYZTsmwziAZp6v9uF8thWSrT55yRXcSjd3mbYpA8fhTfPGR98q2Yw3RSB2yl&id=2351238511605895

Any families who are interested in learning more about the study, or who have further questions can contact the team via our website: https://www.icanautism.ie/the-gemma-project-families

Further information about GEMMA is available on our website: www.icanautism.ie

If you would like to discuss this research further, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your time.

Warmest Regards,

Helen Cahill Research Assistant (on behalf of the GEMMA University of Galway Team).

Sally Whelan PhD Post-Doctoral Researcher sally.whelan@universityofgalway.ie

Geraldine Leader Ph.D. Principal Investigator geraldine.leader@universityofgalway.ie