Autism Program Receives Grant

The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) www.ggc.org was awarded a $300,000 grant from the BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina Foundation. The one year grant will support the Center’s ongoing work to develop a blood-based diagnostic test for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Scientists at GGC’s JC Self Research Institute have identified a unique metabolic profile in blood samples from individuals with autism. “These findings have the potential to be translated into the first blood-based diagnostic test for autism to provide a diagnosis at the earliest possible age. The most exciting part of this work is understanding that these profiles could point us towards an effective treatment for ASD,” said GGC’s Director Steve Skinner MD.

According to Anand K. Srivastava, PhD, Associate Director of Research at GGC “This funding will provide GGC with resources to complete critical steps before the blood test can be made available clinically”.

It is reported that one in 68 children in South Carolina has an ASD diagnosis so the earlier that this diagnosis is confirmed, the better the outcome, according to South Carolina’s BlueCross BlueShield Foundation Executive Director Harvey Galloway.

In addition, GGC is collaborating with the Hope Academy in Greenville and the Olson Huff Center in Asheville North Carolina who are providing additional samples to validate the test. The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs has provided additional funding for the development of the Autism Program at GGC with scientists at Clemson University providing computational support.

GGC is currently recruiting families expecting a child and/or with a child under the age of 18 months to assist in this study. For more information, contact Cindy Skinner, Research Sample Coordinator at cindy@gcc.org or call 864-941-8115.