June 15, 2006
Dear
Parents/Guardians of Typically-Developing Children,
Re: Invitation to participate in a research study
on:
Toxic Metals and Essential Minerals in Baby
Teeth of Individuals with Autism and Typical Individuals
Background: In a small pilot study, we found that children
with autism had 2-3x as much mercury in their baby teeth compared to typical children.
Previous studies have shown that baby teeth are a valid way to measure exposure
to toxic metals during pregnancy and early infancy, when the teeth develop.
Current Study: We are now conducting a
much larger follow-up study to further investigate the amount of toxic metals
and essential minerals in the baby teeth of children with autism vs. typical
children. We are writing to invite you
to participate in this voluntary study.
Eligibility
Criteria:
The criteria for the
study are that the participants:
1) Have a baby tooth
which was not altered by a filling, crown, cap, or similar dental operation
2) Born
between June 1946 and June 2004.
3) For typical
children:
a) normal development - no autism,
ADHD, or speech/language delay
b) no asthma, severe allergies, Type
I diabetes, or autoimmune disease
c) no first
or second degree relatives with autism spectrum disorder, pervasive
developmental disorder, or Asperger’s (no siblings, parents, aunt, uncle, or
cousins)
If you have an old baby
tooth and meet the above criteria, we are requesting your voluntary participation
in our study. If you
choose not to participate or to withdraw from the study at any time, there will
be no penalty. The results of the research study may be
published, but your name will not be used, and we will maintain confidentiality
of your test results.
Study Procedure: The study will involve:
1)
Filling out the enclosed application form
2)
Filling out a 2-page questionnaire on
child’s medical history and questionnaire on autistic symptoms (if applicable). These forms will be sent to you.
3)
Sending in the baby tooth (we will send
you a container). More than one tooth
from the same child may be sent.
Each participant will be
asked (but NOT required) to ask friends/neighbors to participate as controls.
The
amount of toxic and essential minerals in the teeth will be measured. Your
individual results will be sent to you in 2-4 months, and we will send you a
summary of our study results when our analysis is complete.
Cost to participate: This study
is free to
Questions? If you have any questions concerning the
research study, please email Stephen.villa@asu.edu. If you do not have email access, you may call
us at (480) 965-3316. Thank you very
much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
James
B. Adams, Ph.D.
Professor
“Toxic Metals
and Essential Minerals in Baby Teeth of Children with Autism and Typical
Children”
Parent/Guardian’s
name______________________________________
Mailing
Address:________________________________________ _____
City:__________________________________ State_______
Zip__________________
Phone:_______________________________
Email:_________________________________
Participant’s name__________________________________________
Participant’s Ethnicity: Asian/Pacific Islander American Indian/Alaskan Native Black (not Hispanic) Hispanic Multi-Racial White (not Hispanic) Other
Participant’s primary
diagnosis (autism, Asperger’s, PDD/NOS, typically developing)_____________
Person who made
diagnosis and their profession (if applicable):___________
Other co-existing physical
or mental health conditions:___________________
For non-Arizona residents: Are you able to pay $200 for your
testing? Yes No
If your answer is “no”, your name will be placed on a
waiting list in case we receive additional funding/donations.
Please mail to:
Autism Research Program
If questions, please
email Stephen.villa@asu.edu
If no email access, you
may call (480) 965-3316