The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) is a research program for families who have two or more children on the autism spectrum. One of the biggest struggles for scientists is trying to recruit families and gather information for their research. Sometimes it takes scientists years to collect the information they need before they can even begin to examine their data. AGRE helps accelerate the pace of science by taking these time-consuming steps out of the scientists' hands, so they can spend their time and effort analyzing the data and looking for answers now. AGRE gathers DNA, clinical, and medical information from families throughout the United States, making it the world's first collaborative resource for autism research worldwide.

Why I Participate in AGRE

When my sons (2 and 4 years old at the time) were first diagnosed it was a nightmare. I had a baby and two very disabled toddlers on my hands. Once they were diagnosed, a flood of early intervention and advocacy services came to our door. This was a huge relief to me and my husband. Up to that point we had been struggling to make the medical community understand that there was something wrong with the boys. Kyle (husband) and I were very happy when AGRE offered to draw blood and at our information to their database. The more good people working on this devastating disease the better we say! So with three children in diapers we began our long journey one day at a time...

Continue reading this family story here.

AGRE Newsflash:

AGRE & ATP, in Collaboration with AGP, Further Genetic Research		AGRE Continues to Support Genetic Research and Findings		Autism Genes Discovered; Help Shape Connections Among Brain Cells