What is SEED? SEED stands for Study to Explore Early Development. The study will look at possible causes and risks for developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders (ASDS).Centers from six states across the country are taking part in the study: California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Maryland SEED is being done by the Johns Hopkins Univeristy Bloomberg School of Public Health & The Kennedy Krieger Institute. SEED is a ground breaking research study with the goals of learning: - What causes developmental delays in children.
- What causes ASDs.
- What are the common traits among children with ASDs.
- How genes and the environment affect child development.
Children 2 through 5 years of age will be asked to take part in the study. Included will be families of: - Children with ASDs.
- Children with other developmental disabilities.
- Children without developmental disabilities.
It is important for all invited families to take part so we can learn more about differences in child development. Your participation will help us look for genes and other factors that might be related to autism and developmental delays. What Will Your Family Gain From Taking Part in SEED? - A free developmental evaluation for your child.
- A summary of your child's evaluation results.
- Incentives to thank you for your family's participation in the study.
- Expert information on child development.
SEED will include nearly 2,700 children and their parents. It is the largest national study on ASDs and developmental disabilities to date. What Will you Be Asked to Do? - Answer questions about your child's development and your family's medical history.
- Go to a brief medical examination and developmental testing with your child.
- Give small samples of blood and cheek cells from you and your child.
- Give a small sample of your child's hair
- Give permission to view mother's and child's medical records.
Any information you give to SEED will be kept strictly private. It will never be shared with anyone else. Only study staff and you will be able to look at your information. Who can be part of SEED? Children who were: - Born from September 2003 through August 2005.
- Born in and still living in the following Maryland counties: Baltimore City, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, and Howard counties.
How do I get to my clinic visit at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute? Route 95 North towards Baltimore
Route 695 West towards Towson
Route 83 South (Exit 23)
Cold Spring Lane West (Exit 9B), bear right off exit
Left at third traffic light onto Greenspring Avenue. Continue for ½ mile.
Entrance to Kennedy Krieger Institute is on the left
Upon entering the campus the Center for Autism will be on the left. There are parking lots in the front and back of the building. Please feel free to park in the patient parking spots if available.
Directions from North of Baltimore
Route 95 South towards Baltimore
Route 695 West towards Towson
Route 83 South (Exit 23)
Cold Spring Lane West (Exit 9B), bear right off exit
Left at third traffic light onto Greenspring Avenue. Continue for ½ mile.
Entrance to Kennedy Krieger Institute is on the left
Upon entering the campus the Center for Autism will be on the left. There are parking lots in the front and back of the building. Please feel free to park in the patient parking spots if available.
Once you arrive:
Check in with Security as you enter the building and let them know you have an appointment in REACH. Our REACH offices are located on the first floor. First door to the left if you are facing the elevator on the 1st floor.
Who else is CADDE collaborating with for this study? | 
