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Autism Research Program

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), also known as Pervasive Development Disorders, encompass a range of complex developmental disorders characterized by mild to severe challenges to social, emotional, and communication abilities. Recent evidence indicates that ASD affects 1 in 110 children. Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism and as many as 1 out of 58 boys may be on the autism spectrum. Adults with autism face additional challenges related to a lack of services, housing, and employment options. The associated national annual cost of ASD is estimated to be $35 - $90 billion dollars. The cause of ASD is unknown, however progress is being made on several fronts and the answers related to autism will likely be the same as the disorder itself- multifaceted.

Funding Opportunities Search Awards Integration Panels Peer Review Participants Congressional Appropriations $21.9 million in FY07–09 $8 million in FY10 Research Program Fact Sheet Funding Summary 35 awards in FY07–08 Previous Proposals Recommended for Funding

Program Information Paper Autism