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The Angelman Syndrome Foundation is continuing its commitment to research by awarding two grants focused on the therapeutic treatment of symptoms typically found in individuals with Angelman Syndrome (AS).  The more than $104,500 in grants were awarded to Dr. Sarika Peters of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and Dr. Keith Allen of the MunroeMeyer Institute at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, Neb. 

Dr. Peters will use her grant funding to research the use of conventional or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for problem behaviors in Angelman Syndrome. By conducting an anonymous Web-based survey, Dr. Peters hopes to reach a large number of participants quickly and efficiently. The goal of her research is to have her findings help both parents and providers sort through safe, affordable and effective treatment options in the absence of strong empirical support for conventional or CAM treatments of AS problem behaviors. Dr. Allen will conduct his grant-funded research by evaluating the use of an evidence-based behavior management regimen that describes how to address sleep problems in children with AS.

“The Angelman Syndrome Foundation is dedicated to funding quality research efforts focused on the causes and therapeutic treatments of Angelman Syndrome,” said Executive Director Eileen Braun of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. “After comprehensive review by the Angelman Syndrome Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) the Board of Directors unanimously approved grants for Dr. Allen, Dr. Peters and their research objectives.” Since its first $10,000 research award in 1996 the Angelman Syndrome Foundation has funded more than $2.5 million in research projects, with a majority of these funds ($2.2 million) being awarded within the last three years. 

About Angelman Syndrome
Identified by Dr. Harry Angelman, AS occurs in one in every 15,000 live births and exhibits symptoms such as: developmental delay; lack of speech; seizures; inappropriate laughter; and walking and balance disorders. It is a life-long neuro-genetic disorder usually identified in patients between two and five years old. AS is often misdiagnosed as Autism and a cure has not yet been developed. 

About Angelman Syndrome Foundation
The Angelman Syndrome Foundation, the leading resource for AS information, support and AS research funding was founded more than 20 years ago with the mission of advancing the awareness and treatment of AS through education and information, research and support for individuals with AS, their families and other concerned parties. Since 1996 the Angelman Syndrome Foundation has funded 51 research grants totaling over $2.5 million. The Angelman Syndrome Foundation has awarded a majority of these funds ($2.2 million) beginning in 2005. In November 2008, the Angelman Syndrome Foundation received Charity Navigator’s 4-star rating for sound fiscal management. Only a quarter of all charities evaluated by Charity Navigator receive this distinction of demonstrating the ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. For more information, please visit www.angelman.org.