AutomationPattern Class

/// <summary> 
/// Retrieves the selection container for a selection item. 
/// </summary> 
/// <param name="listItem">
/// An element that supports SelectionItemPattern. 
/// </param>
AutomationElement GetListItemParent(AutomationElement listItem)
{
    if (listItem == null) throw new ArgumentException();
    SelectionItemPattern pattern = listItem.GetCurrentPattern(SelectionItemPattern.Pattern) as SelectionItemPattern;
    if (pattern == null)
    {
        return null;
    }
    else
    {
        SelectionItemPattern.SelectionItemPatternInformation properties = pattern.Current;
        return properties.SelectionContainer;
    }
}