The BioGENE Study: 
​Biomarkers of Genetic Etiology of NEurodevelopmental disorders

Overview
​The BioGENE Study started at the University of Alabama in 2020 and has moved with Dr. Hudac to the University of South Carolina starting August 2022. The goal of this study is to help us understand how the brain works in individuals with rare genetic events linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). We hope to target as many genes as possible. See the list to the right for gene groups we are recruiting based upon current funding. 

Study details​

• Our research uses:
  • Parent surveys and questionnaires 
  • 1 experimental session with electroencephalography (EEG), eye tracking, and heart rate monitoring while watching videos and playing games.
  • "Body game" to test how bodies move
  • Clinical and behavioral tests (when clinician available)
• Your commitment: The BioGENE Study will take 2-4 hours and can be completed in 1 visit.
• Who can participate? We work with people from birth to age 90 years who have a confirmed disruptive mutation associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Enrollment is based upon current funding.

• Follow this link to read or download a social story that may be helpful!  ​

Compensation

• Participants with genetic mutations will receive $50 for completing the experimental EEG session.
• Parents/caregivers will receive $20/hour for completing surveys and questionnaires (<1 hour expected)​ 

Location
We understand that is difficult for many families to travel. We have the capability of traveling to do our research in your home or at a local site (e.g., community library, hotel). The video on the side show how we set-up the equipment off-campus. 

We see many participants at Family Group meet-ups. See current recruitment pages  (GRIN2B Page, SCN2A Page, Searchlight 2022 Page) for upcoming opportunities.  

Current recruitment

We have current funding in support of enrollment for the following groups:
GRIN2B Page
SCN2A Page
Simons Searchlight 2022 Conference

• CSNK2A1
• HIVEP2
• MED13L
• SETBP1

We work with many other groups and are currently seeking new funding for:

• CHD8
• DYRK1A

Research roadtrip! In 2021, the BioGENE study went on the road to see families across the U.S.

Video of how we set up the equipment when conducting mobile data collection

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Examples of how we put on an EEG net

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