Driven by Science. United by Hope.

To create scientific breakthroughs for rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders, families and scientists must come together. Simons Searchlight is an ambitious research program that is creating an ever-growing database and resource network. Families like yours are the key to making meaningful progress.

join us today

About Us

Simons Searchlight studies genes that cause rare neurodevelopmental disorders. The study is international, and families can participate in several languages. Learn More

6254

REGISTERED

Participants with genetic variants registered

4135

CONSENTED

Participants consented to participate

3149

APPROVED

Genetic lab reports approved

45249

SURVEYED

Participant surveys completed

Genetic Conditions We Study

We study over 170 genes that cause rare neurodevelopmental disorders, and our list is always expanding. Join us if you or your family member have been diagnosed with one of these genetic conditions.

learn more

How to Join

Please follow the steps below.

step 1

step 2

Provide your genetics lab report

step 3

Schedule a medical history phone call with a genetic counselor

step 4

Fill out surveys

step 5

Provide a blood sample if you are interested

step 6

Update us every year and continue your participation

join us today

News and Updates

Family Story

Christopher's Story Living with a 16p11.2 distal deletion

What is your family like? Our family is a loving, active family. We enjoy...

Family Story

Myles's Story Living with DYRK1A

Learn more about Myles, a 4-year-old living with DYRK1A.

Video

Researchers Use Simons Searchlight Data to Advance Scientific Discovery

Studying your genetic neurodevelopmental disorder has a long-lasting impact on the future of research.

view all

Follow Our Progress

Participant Voices

Simons Searchlight seems like an amazing way to create a large community and bring more research and awareness to many small communities that might not otherwise have such a big voice.

Stacey, Parent

Every time I complete a survey, I know I am doing my part in advancing research to help my child.

Andrew, Parent

There's been an unexpected amount of peace from sharing our struggles and victories with others.

Katie, Parent

I'd do anything to help my son have the best possible chance for a long and happy life including contributing his medical history and completing surveys in Simons Searchlight!

Vanessa, Parent

Every step we take, every test we do, every survey we fill out....all leads to more information. This data can be studied and processed into real life-changing information.

Rhiannon, Parent

The first myth about caring for someone with special needs is that you are alone. You are not.

Tony, Parent

Explore

Community

Connect with others on private Facebook groups. Find your genetic community’s webpage and select “Support Resources”.

Expertise

Check out videos on our video library to hear insights from our geneticists, scientists, and staff.

Knowledge

We have dedicated pages for each genetic condition that we study.

Ready to share your unique insights?
You could hold the clues scientists need to make progress and find answers.

join us today