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.

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About Us

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

5475
REGISTERED

Participants with genetic variants registered

3586
CONSENTED

Participants consented to participate

2703
APPROVED

Genetic lab reports approved

35821
SURVEYED

Participant surveys completed

Genetic Conditions We Study

We study over 150 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.

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How to Join

Please follow the steps below.

step 1

Sign up online.

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

Updates every year

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News and Updates
Family Story
Bug's ANKRD11 Story

Learn more about Bug's story living with ANKRD11.
Family Story
Leah's 16p11.2 Deletion Story

Learn more about Leah's 16p11.2 Deletion story.
Family Story
Evan's 7q11.23 Duplication Story

Learn more about Evan's 7q11.23 Duplication story.
view all

Follow Our Progress

Sign up for the Simons Searchlight newsletter.

Participant Voices

Simons Searchlight gives rare patients a unified voice!

Farhad, 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

Explore

Community

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

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Expertise

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

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Knowledge

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

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