Parents of kids with autism typically are told that we do not know the cause of it. For some, we eventually do and often it is at the insistence of parents that we figure it out.

Sandra Sermone knew there was “something” with her son and persisted in finding clues and then answers to what “it” is – a rare genetic condition that underlies his autism diagnosis. Taking matters into her own hands, she found a researcher in Israel to help and formed a group of fellow parents whose children have this condition. From there, she began to look for common denominators amongst their children. To read more of Sandra’s incredible efforts, check out these links to her scientific paper and a news story on her family:

NCBI :Premature primary tooth eruption in cognitive/motor-delayed ADNP-mutated children

NCBI:The Compassionate Side of Neuroscience: Tony Sermone’s Undiagnosed Genetic Journey–ADNP Mutation.

Local mom helping change the way doctors look at rare genetic syndrome linked to autism

Here’s to you, Sandra, scientist-mom extraordinaire!