Help Support ADHD and Autism Research and Education

Stephen V. Faraone, PhD, Distinguished Professor in the departments of psychiatry and neurosciences and physiology at Upstate Medical University and Director of Research for the Department of Psychiatry, has authored more than 700 journal articles, editorials, chapters and books having to do with the nature and causes of mental disorders in childhood, particularly Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD.)  in 2013 he was the third most highly cited researcher in psychiatry and psychology. (http://academic.research.microsoft.com/). In 2014, Thompson Reuters named Prof. Faraone on their list of The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds for the fields of psychiatry and psychology (http://tinyurl.com/o5d48bp).

ADHD and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are common childhood disorders often lasting into adulthood. These disorders frequently co-occur. People with these disorders are at high risk for problems in many areas of life. Their school performance suffers, they have difficulties forming and maintaining social relationships and, for ADHD, are at risk for accidents

  • Many millions of children and adults have been diagnosed with ADHD, and ASD or both disorders. 
  • Treatments (including medication and/or psychotherapy) can help relieve symptoms, but there is no cure.

While the cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD and ASDs are unknown, research does show that genetics plays an important role.  With new genetic technologies, Professor Faraone has been leading an international team of researchers to create the largest genetic study of ADHD ever performed (17,000 with ADHD compared with 94,000 without ADHD).  These data have already discovered genes that cause ADHD and have clarified its genetic overlap with ASDs.   Yet this is only the beginning.  Much more work needs to be done.

YOU CAN HELP by supporting the Fund for Education and Research in Neuropsychiatry (FERN) and the following three areas of ADHD and autism research currently underway in the Faraone lab at Upstate Medical University.

Searching for Genes that Increase the Risk for ADHD

Created and led by Dr. Faraone, the international ADHD Genomics Consortium is conducting the largest ADHD study ever, collecting genetic data from a pool of ADHD and non-ADHD individuals to identify ADHD risk genes. The group has already discovered eight ADHD risk genes. The goal is to obtain genetic data on 100,000 ADHD patients.

Your gift of:

  • $100 will conduct a genetic data scan for one person
  • $500 will purchase needed computer software
  • $3,000 will provide a full genome sequence for one person    

Discovering Treatable Pathways for ADHD & Autism

Further investigation of genetic mutations in the brain’s endosomal pathway that interferes with brain cell signaling in people with ADHD and autism will create new information supporting promising new targets for drug development for these disorders.

Your gift of:

  • $100 will purchase laboratory supplies
  • $500 will purchase needed computer software  
  • $3,000 will fund a small experiment
  • $10,000 will help train one student    

Improving the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult ADHD

Clinical research is underway to study ways to improve the criteria for diagnosing ADHD in adults. www.adhdinadults.com has been created to educate health professionals about adult ADHD.

Your gift of:

  • $500 will purchase needed computer software  
  • $3,000 will develop a web-based education program

Training the Next Generation of Researchers

Upstate attracts post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and junior faculty from around the world for comprehensive training in discovery science.

Your gift of:

  • $100 will provide lab supplies

  • $2,000 will purchase a computer

  • $3,000 will fund a small experiment

  • $30,000 will support a graduate student for one year

  • $50,000 will support a post-doctoral fellow for one year

 
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