GEMMA Project

What is GEMMA*?

GEMMA* is a consortium of international researchers who have been awarded research funding from the EU. We will conduct ground-breaking research that will for the first time follow children from 0-36 months of age, who are siblings of autistic children. This research may lead to earlier diagnosis than is currently possible and help us understand why some children are autistic and others are not.

Early Diagnosis

Currently, there is on average of a 3 year waiting list to receive an autism assessment in Ireland. If you choose to participate in our study, we will follow your child’s development and will administer an autism assessment every six months. If your child is autistic, you will receive a diagnosis as early as possible which will allow you to access early intervention. If your child is not autistic, you will have access to this information at the earliest possible age.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Autistic children commonly experience gastrointestinal problems such as chronic constipation, persistent diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort, nausea, reflux and vomiting. GEMMA will study the relationship between autism and gastrointestinal symptoms. We aim to decrease these symptoms and increase the quality of life for children and families.

Who can join?

GEMMA will follow 600 infants in Ireland, Italy and the US who are more likely than other infants to have autism. We are particularly interested in hearing from families if:

· You have an autistic child

· You have another child 6 months or under

· You live in Ireland

How to get involved

If you would like to participate in GEMMA or you would like more information, please click ‘Contact Us’ and we will be in contact.

*Genome, Environment, Microbiome and Metabolome in Autism