Introduction Letter Appendix M.1

Appendix M.1 Invitation Letter: Case Group

Study to Explore Early Development

<Date>

Dear Parent:

I am writing to tell you about a research project called the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED). The study will look at characteristics of child development. One reason for the study is to look at possible causes of autism and is one of the most important studies of autism being conducted in the United States. The results of the study may lead to better services and treatments for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

The project is being done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and 5 other research centers in the U.S. <Site> is one of the sites. The CDC is a federal agency that works to improve the health and safety of the general public.

Hundreds of families are being invited to take part in the study. Local schools, doctors, and health clinics are helping us to invite people to participate. We are contacting families of children with and without developmental delay or issue . You are being contacted because your child has been identified as having a developmental delay or issue and therefore eligible to participate.

Families who take part in the study will be asked to:

• Complete some paper and pencil questionnaires and interviews;

• Allow project staff to review your and your child’s medical records;

• Provide a blood sample and a sample of cells from your cheek; and

• Allow project staff to conduct a evaluation of your child’s development.

We know your time is valuable. You can receive up to $315 to thank you for your participation and to cover out of pocket expenses, such as travel.

If you want to learn more about this research study, please return the reply card included in this packet. If you reply “yes” someone from the study will call you to describe the study in detail. Any questions you may have will be answered at this time. If you reply ‘no” you will not be contacted again. If we do not get your response card in 14 days, someone from our staff will contact you to make sure you have received this information.

We hope that you will agree to participate in this important study. You may call me at any time for more information at <number>. Thank you for your time and interest.

Sincerely,

PIs or coordinators

Appendix M.1 Invitation Letter: NIC Group

S tudy to Explore Early Development

<Date>

Dear Parent:

I am writing to tell you about a research project called the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED). The study will look at characteristics of child development. One reason for the study is to look at possible causes of autism and is one of the most important studies of autism being conducted in the United States. The results of the study may lead to better services and treatments for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

The project is being done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and 5 other research centers in the U.S. <Site> is one of the sites. The CDC is a federal agency that works to improve the health and safety of the general public.

Hundreds of families are being invited to take part in the study. Local schools, doctors, and health clinics are helping us to invite people to participate. We are contacting families of children with and without developmental delays. . You are being contacted because your child has been identified as having a developmental delay or issue and therefore eligible to participate.

Families who take part in the study will be asked to:

• Complete some paper and pencil questionnaires and interviews;

• Allow project staff to review your and your child’s medical records;

• Provide a blood sample and a sample of cells from your cheek; and

• Allow project staff to conduct a evaluation of your child’s development.

We know your time is valuable. You can receive up to $235 to thank you for your participation and to cover out of pocket expenses, such as travel.

If you want to learn more about this research study, please return the reply card included in this packet. If you reply “yes” someone from the study will call you to describe the study in detail. Any questions you may have will be answered at this time. If you reply ‘no” you will not be contacted again. If we do not get your response card in 14 days, someone from our staff will contact you to make sure you have received this information.

We hope that you will agree to participate in this important study. You may call me at any time for more information at <number>. Thank you for your time and interest.

Sincerely,

PIs or coordinators

Appendix M.1 Invitation Letter: Subcohort Group

S tudy to Explore Early Development

<Date>

Dear Parent:

I am writing to tell you about a research project called the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED). The study will look at child development. One reason for the study is to look at possible causes of autism. This is one of the most important studies of autism being conducted in the United States. What we find out from this research may lead to better services and treatments for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

The research study is being done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and 5 research sites in the U.S. <Site> is one of the sites. The CDC is a federal agency that works to improve the health and safety of the general public.

Hundreds of families are being invited to take part in the study. Local schools, doctors, and health clinics are helping us get people to be in the study. We are contacting families of children with and without developmental problems. You are being contacted because your child is 3 to 5 years of age and you live in the <site> area.

Families who take part in the study will be asked to:

• Complete questionnaires and answer some questions during interviews;

• Allow project staff to review your medical records;

• Provide a blood sample and cheek swab sample; and

• Allow project staff to do a developmental evaluation on your child.

We realize your time is valuable. Therefore, you will be given up to $235.00 for your trouble and out of pocket expenses.

If you want to learn more about this project, please return the reply card included in this packet. If you reply “yes” someone from the study will call you to give you much more information about the study. Any questions you may have will be answered at this time. If you reply ‘no” you will not be contacted again. If we do not get your response card within 14 days, someone from our staff will call you to make sure you received this information.

We hope that you will agree to participate in this important study. You may call me at any time for more information at <number>. Thank you for your time and interest.

Sincerely,

PI or project coordinator