Autism Speaks announces 10 new research grants

Global autism science and advocacy organization advances research across the lifespan for children, adolescents and adults with autism

Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism science and advocacy organization, today announced the awarding of 10 new research grants totaling $1,782,934 in funding over the next three years. The selected studies will evaluate the effectiveness of a broad array of promising behavioral and medical treatments for core symptoms and associated medical issues in children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

"This year's treatment grants build on the exciting scientific progress of our last six years and take us in new directions with promising new interventions across the lifespan," says Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D. "We're particularly excited to be supporting more studies involving relatively underserved populations including nonverbal children, preschool students in minority communities and working adults with autism."

"The Autism Speaks research portfolio remains at the core of our support for individuals impacted with ASD and their families," added Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr. "We know that validated research is critical in giving families confidence at many milestones throughout the lifespan of their loved one with ASD, whether they are seeking an initial diagnosis, treatments or therapies, or supports for the transition into and through life as an adult with ASD" he continued. "Without the incredible generosity of our community and corporate partners, and the funds raised at over 80 of Walk Now for Autism Speaks events throughout the year, this research would not be possible."

Pilot Research Grants

Eight of the ten grants are for pilots studies aimed at bringing new investigators into the autism field, and to collect and develop preliminary data to jump start novel treatments. These pilot grants provide up to $60,000 a year for up to two years.

Three of the pilot projects address the needs of non-verbal individuals with autism by focusing on social engagement and language development:

• At New York's Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Gottfried Schaug, M.D., Ph.D., will conduct a randomized control trial of an innovative type of therapy to promote speech called "Auditory Motor Mapping Training." The therapy employs singing, motor activity, and imitation to activate brain regions associated with speech and has been used successfully with stroke victims suffering from loss of speech due to brain damage (aphasia).
• At the University of Kansas, Nancy Brady, Ph.D., will study augmentative communication intervention aimed at improving the acquisition of spoken language by nonverbal school-age children with autism.
• At Michigan State University, Brook Ingersoll, Ph.D., will investigate the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention called reciprocal imitation training for increasing social engagement in adolescents with intellectual disability on the spectrum.

Three of the pilot level treatment studies specifically aim to improve successful transition to adulthood, employment, and quality of life among adolescents and adults with autism.

• Leanne Smith, Ph.D., at the University of Wisconsin, Waisman Center will test a family psychoeducation intervention, "Transitioning Together" which aims to provide support and education for families and adolescents with ASD, while reducing levels of distress and improve coping strategies, during the transition to adulthood.
• Lindee Morgan, Ph.D., at Florida State University will evaluate a novel treatment specifically designed for adults with ASD to teach social skills required to effectively participate in a job interview.
• Finally, David Nicholas, Ph.D., from the University of Calgary will utilize Canada's national database of care-provider surveys to identify and evaluate vocational service opportunities, determine the effectiveness of those services, and better understand the quality of life issues related to vocational services for adults on the spectrum in Canada. The ultimate goal of this project is to inform public policy regarding adult vocational services in Canada and the U.S.

The remaining pilot level treatment projects focus on improving quality of life by addressing two common medical conditions associated with autism: seizures and sleep.

• At New York's Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Aristea Galanopoulou, M.D., Ph.D., will study the role of mTOR inhibitors (proteins that regulate vital cell growth processes) on the treatment of autism symptoms in children with infantile seizures.
• At the University of Colorado, Denver, Mark Laudenslager, Ph.D., will develop a measure of melatonin levels in saliva that can potentially be used as a biomarker to be employed as a practical and objective gauge to determine which children with ASD would benefit from melatonin supplementation to address sleep difficulties

Full Level Treatment Grants

Two full-level treatment grants have been awarded to established investigators who will build on preliminary research findings to further understand and develop effective behavioral interventions for pre-school and school-aged children. These full-level grants were each awarded for $150,000 per year for three years ($450,000 total each).

• Connie Kasari, Ph.D., from UCLA will utilize this grant to study implementation of an evidence-based early intervention for improving social and language communication outcomes in a urban, ethnically-diverse, community-based preschool setting. The intervention will be delivered by teachers, focusing specifically on underserved Hispanic children in Los Angeles.
• Jeffery Wood, Ph.D., also at UCLA, who has pioneered the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for reducing anxiety symptoms associated with ASD, will now explore the efficacy of CBT for reducing core autism symptoms in school and home settings.