SHANK2 Patient Registry

CALLING ALL SHANK2 FAMILIES:

Research is essential to understand the role SHANK2 variants play in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), and other developmental and mental health disorders. But given how rare SHANK2 variants are, scientists need our help in providing them with information.  By registering our children with the SHANK2 Patient Registry, we can contribute to the database of affected individuals and help make progress in the development of treatments for SHANK2 disorders. Registering your child is free.  

Probably Genetic Partnership

Probably Genetic is a group of geneticists, engineers, and patients seeking to help people with rare diseases access genetic testing. The company has recently launched a no-cost genetic testing program for people with seizure or developmental delay-related disorders. Eligible individuals can receive whole exome sequencing at no cost. This testing analyzes all of the protein-coding regions of your DNA for disease-causing mutations.

Eligibility

To participate, candidates must reside in the United States. Eligibility for the program is determined by a brief, easy-to-understand online quiz. Care partners, friends, or family members are encouraged to submit on behalf of their loved one if their loved one cannot complete the Symptom Checker without assistance.

How it works

  • Go to the Symptom Checker website on any internet-connected device. Answer the questions in their entirety. It should only take 5-10 minutes.
  • The Probably Genetic team will thoroughly evaluate your Symptom Checker response to assess your eligibility. This typically occurs within one to two weeks.
  • If you are eligible, you can claim your test, and the lab will send a kit right to your door. Collect a saliva sample and ship it back in the pre-paid box. Probably Genetic can also assist you in scheduling a USPS pick-up.
  • Results are available in 6 to 8 weeks. This test shows all disease-causing mutations related to your reported symptoms, even those that are not seizure-related.
  • If genetic testing is offered, you will have access to post-test genetic counseling with a board-certified genetic counselor. The genetic counseling sessions are virtual and are included at no cost to ensure you can make informed decisions and understand the results.
  • View the status of your Symptom Checker submission and/or test kit through the patient portal. You can download a PDF copy of your genetic report, as well as a file containing your raw genetic data.

SHANK2 Phenotyping Study

The SHANK2 Foundation is partnering with the world renowned Seaver Autism Center in New York City to do a phenotyping study of individuals with SHANK2 disorders. Phenotyping studies are done to collect information about individuals to better understand how diseases affect them. Participants in the study will undergo a common assessment and the findings will be used to build an archive of physical and behavioral characteristics associated with SHANK2 disorders for use in future research.

There is no cost to participate and the study is currently enrolling. Participation is done remotely through video calls.  A report of your child’s assessment results will be returned to you upon completion of the study.

Third Annual SHANK2 Day Meeting

December 10, 2023

This event in concluded. Recordings will be made available in the near future.

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