Disease Background. Autism is a complex developmental disorder that recent evidence indicates may affect as many as 1 in 166 children. With this prevalence rate, it is estimated that there are approximately 500,000 individuals between the ages of 0-21 years with autism in the United States.1 The manifestations of autism vary widely from mild to severe, leading to their general classifification as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs are described by serious impairments in social, emotional, and communication skills as well as the presence of unusual behaviors and physical manifestations, such as sleep disorders and depressed immune function. Only about 10 percent of individuals with ASD develop autism secondary to a known genetic disorder. The cause of ASD in the remaining individuals is not certain. However, progress is being made on several fronts. Like autism itself, the answer to this question will likely be multifaceted.

Program Background. The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) began managing the Department of Defense Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Program (arp) in response to the fiscal year 2007 (FY07) Appropriations Conference Committee Report No. 109-676, which provided $7.5 million (M) for research on ASD. A stakeholders meeting was held in March 2007 in which renowned scientists, clinicians, and consumer advocates discussed issues and gaps critical to autism research and treatment as well as potential means to address them. Utilizing the recommendations from the stakeholders meeting, the first arp Integration Panel (IP), composed of experts and consumer advocates in the ASD field, was then assembled in April 2007 and panel members determined the FY07 vision and investment strategy.