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Grants Available for Research on Communication in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) announces the availability of research grants relevant to understanding and improving the communication capabilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, particularly those who are nonverbal or minimally verbal.
Possible strategies might include the use of novel tools (for example, MEG, PET, MRI, neurochemical and genetic techniques) to investigate the neurologic basis of different facets of communication including auditory speech perception, expressive and pragmatic language, visual processing, attention and other aspects of cognition (as related to language), motor and imitation capabilities and communicative intent. Studies of technological and task adaptations necessary to productively use available neuroimaging techniques in individuals with autisn spectram disorders are needed. Scientifically rigorous, innovative treatment studies with a sound biomedical basis are encouraged from a variety of disciplines, including investigations of the effects of interventions on brain plasticity and development.
NAAR endeavors to stimulate, support and coordinate biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of the autism spectrum disorders.
NAAR will focus its support on:
- Research that reflects innovative approaches and techniques
- Research that will develop necessary pilot data for seeking larger awards from the NIH and other funding sources
- New investigators who demonstrate promise and who have a supportive environment for their research efforts
- Research undertaken by scientists expert in areas other than autism but whose expertise is or may be relevant to the autism spectrum disorders
Research Grant Support
Amounts: Up to $120,000 for two-year awards; up to $60,000 for one-year awards. Proposals for less than the maximum amounts are encouraged. Please note that investigator salaries are not supported and that the only salary support allowed is for technical help specific to the project. NAAR reserves its Mentor-based Fellowship awards for pre and post-doctoral support.
Requisites: Open to investigators at established research institutions worldwide that require funds to develop concepts and obtain preliminary data.
Before submitting an application for research support, an applicant must submit a letter of intent briefly describing the project. Depending on whether a letter of intent is deemed to meet NAAR's funding priorities, the investigator will be invited to submit a formal proposal. All proposals are carefully reviewed by NAAR's distinguished Science Advisory Board.
Deadline for Receipt of Letter of Intent: November 24, 2003
Deadline for Receipt of Completed Application: February 11, 2004
Awards will be announced by July 2004; funding will commence July 2004.
Apply online: Electronic submissions are mandatory. Requirements and guidelines for the letter of intent and full proposal will be available when you log in to the NAAR GRANTS ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM. For any related inquiries, please contact us at:
National Alliance for Autism Research
Attn: Grants Administrator
99 Wall Street, Research Park
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Toll-free: 1-888-777-NAAR (in the U.S.A.) or 1-609-430-9160
Fax: 1-609-430-9163
E-mail: grantadmin@naar.org