Autism Speaks is dedicated to:

• Science and Research - leading us to answers and interventions
• Family Services - providing families with information, tools and resources
• Awareness - increasing public knowledge and understanding of autism 
• Advocacy - accelerating national and state autism legislation

In Maryland, we have funded over $2,262,000 in these areas.

Dr. Elaine Tierney of the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore was awarded an Autism Speaks 2008 Treatment Award of $900,000 for 3 years for her work in psychopharmacology.  Dr. Tierney's study is entitled "Double masked placebo controlled trial of cholesterol in hypocholesterolemic ASD."  Previous work from the Tierney laboratory has suggested that some individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have very low blood cholesterol levels. Low cholesterol may be an important marker for subtypes of ASD. It may also play a role in causing some types of ASD, as cholesterol is known to be important for several aspects of brain development.

The present study will test the response of individuals with ASD and low cholesterol to increased cholesterol in their diets. A randomized sample of youths with ASD will be given supplementary cholesterol over a 12 week period, and the effects of the treatment on behavior, communication, and other features of autism will be measured, compared to a group given placebo.

This research will help to determine whether adding cholesterol to the diet can improve behavioral problems seen in individuals with ASD and low cholesterol.

Lana Warren, Ed.D. at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, was awarded a two-year 2008 Treatment Award for her study, "Acupressure and acupuncture as an intervention with children with autism." 

Stewart Mostofsky, M.D. at Kennedy Krieger Institute received an Autism Speaks 2008 Basic and Clinical Award for his study entitled "Novel approaches for investigating the neurology of autism: detailed morphometric analysis and correlation with motor impairment."

Walter Kaufmann, M.D. at the Kennedy Krieger Institute received an Autism Speaks 2008 Pilot Award to study "Autism spectrum disorder in Down syndrome: a model of repetitive and stereotypic behavior for idiopathic ASD."  This research may lead to improved diagnoses and treatment of Down syndrome plus ASD, and provide insight into various behavioral aspects of ASDs. 

Mikhail Pletnikov, M.D., Ph.D. at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine received a 2008 Pilot award for his study  into "Gene-environment interactions in the pathogenesis of autism-like neurodevelopmental damage: a mouse model." 

Tao Wang, M.D., Ph.D. at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine received a 2008 Pilot Award for his study entitled "Understanding glutamate signaling defects in autism spectrum disorders."  This research may clarify the role of glutamate in autism, as well as identify new genetic risk factors and potential drug targets for the treatment and prevention of autism.

Maryland State Legislature
Autism Speaks is gearing up now to fight for insurance coverage of autism services for Maryland in 2009. Most states do not require private insurance companies to cover even essential autism treatments and services. In the absence of coverage, families often pay as much as they can out-of-pocket for services that can cost upwards of $50,000 per year. In the process, many risk their homes and the educations of their unaffected children – essentially mortgaging their entire futures. Autism Speaks, together with other autism advocacy groups, is working to change state insurance laws to require private health insurance policies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders for individuals under the age of 21.
Be sure to visit www.autismvotes.org/maryland for more information!

Baltimore Community News
Join Autism Speaks as we tackle autism! Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism. Start a corporate, school or family team today!

Annapolis Community News
Claudine Intner of Cape St. Claire and two of her children, Connor (5) and Jacob (7 - with autism) have taken on autism! As a family they have created Art Now for Autism, a unique fundraising event, benefiting Autism Speaks. You can read more about this amazing family or how to be involved in this event by visiting www.artnowforautism.