Simons Searchlight | Driven by science. United by hope.

Driven by science. United by hope.

To create scientific breakthroughs for rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders, families and scientists must work together. Simons Searchlight is building an ever growing natural history database, biorepository, and resource network. Families like yours are key to 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

8569

REGISTERED

Participants with genetic variants registered

7927

CONSENTED

Participants consented to participate

6179

APPROVED

Genetic lab reports approved

75936

SURVEYED

Participant surveys completed

Genetic Disorders We Study

We study over 185 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 Our Research

Please follow the steps below.

step 1

step 2

Provide your genetic lab report

step 3

Share your medical history

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

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News and Updates

Patient Advocacy

Leading the Way: An Interview with Mathijs van Unen

Meet Mathijs, advocate and co-founder, MED13L España.

Data

New Simons Searchlight Data Now Available to Researchers

See how your contributions are accelerating new discoveries.

Data

SFARI RFA to Support Analysis of Simons Searchlight Data

Researchers interested in working with Simons Searchlight data are especially encouraged to apply.

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Stay connected with Simons Searchlight

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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

Visit our video library to hear insights from our geneticists, scientists, and staff.

Knowledge

Explore 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