Recruiting Participants for the Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Hearing Loss, and Autism Retrospective Study – No in-person appointments necessary to participate!
Researchers at Seattle Children’s Hospital are looking for children between the ages of 18 months and 8 years who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and born in Washington State to take part in a new research study.
The goal of this study will help us better understand any connection between Autism and congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). CMV is a common virus that when contracted during pregnancy can medically impact the unborn child. Congenital CMV is the leading viral cause of birth defects in the United States and the leading viral cause of hearing loss in children. Previous research suggests a connection between cCMV and a later diagnosis of Autism. We also hope to better categorize the hearing status of children with Autism and those with Autism and cCMV.
Participation in this study does not require any in-person visits! Parents/guardians will consent for their child’s dried blood spot (taken at the time of birth and stored at the Washington State Department of Health) to be sent to the University of Washington for testing. Additionally, parents/guardians will consent for the review of their child’s newborn hearing screening results and Seattle Children’s medical records. Once consent is complete, there are no additional requirements of the participants and their families!
If you would like to contact the study team, please send an email to chartstudy@seattlechildrens.org.
