Promoting partnerships between patient advocacy groups and researchers to improve autism research

SIG Leaders: Alycia Halladay, PhD; Shafali Jeste, MD SIG Co-Leader: Charlotte DiStefano, PhD Advances in genetic testing have resulted in the discovery of multiple rare variants that increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Families affected by these rare disorders have established Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs). This SIG provides a platform for cross-talk and collaboration to occur between PAGs and researchers in a systematic and productive manner. The 2017 SIG was enormously impactful, with more than 70 participants across disciplines, around 40 percent were early career investigators. This 2nd year SIG provides the opportunity to engage PAGs with research groups outside the US and gather input from a wider and more diverse variety of stakeholder groups.