Autism Speaks Funded Science in Florida

Autism Speaks has funded over $2,751,272 in research grants in the state of Florida. Funded studies include work done at:

• University of Florida 
• University of Florida, College of Medicine 
• JFK Institute Medical Center 
• University of Miami
• University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami Institute for Human Genetics 
• Florida International University
• University of Central Florida
• Florida State University 

National Science Initiatives

• Autism Treatment Network
• Clinical Trials Network  

  • Clinical Trials has a new participating location in the Study of Fluoxetine in Autism (SOFIA) at the University of South Florida, in Tampa.

    The site is currently enrolling children and adolescents between the ages of 5 an 17 years diagnosed with autistic disorder.  Interested families can contact RothmanCtr@health.usf.edu or call 1-727-767-8393 for more information.

    To learn more about the network or ongoing trials:  www.autismspeaks.org/ctn and www.clinicaltrials.gov

Participate in Research

• Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE)- for two or more family members affected by autism
• Family Participation in Research - connecting families with researchers recruiting participants
• Interactive Autism Network (IAN) - an online project allowing parents to report information about their child's diagnosis, behavior, environment, services received, as well as progress over time.
• Autism Tissue Program (ATP) - a parent-led post-mortem brain tissue donation program

Spotlight on Pilot Awards:

Mark Lewis, M.D.
University of Florida
$120,000 for 2 years

The genetics of restricted, repetitive behavior: an inbred mouse model

In this study, Dr. Lewis and colleagues will develop a mouse model of RRBs which will allow them to identify variations in the mouse genome associated with these behaviors. These researchers have previously identified an inbred mouse line that displays both repetitive behaviors (jumping, flipping, and weaving) and restricted behaviors (reduced exploration of the environment). The present research will examine the genetic basis of these behaviors, characterizing the regions of genomic DNA which are associated with these behaviors. This may lead to the identification of gene variants which are involved in the development of RRBs.

The examination of genetic variation in a mouse model of RRB should have direct value for clinical genetic studies of ASDs, and aid in our understanding of the underlying biology of this diagnostic feature of autism.

Click here for a full listing of Pilot Awards 

Did you Know....
Autism Speaks sponsored the first of its kind Immunology Workshop which evaluated the current of knowledge about the potential role of immunological factors in the pathogenesis of autism, and to outlined critical areas of future research to clarify the relationship of such factors to autism and investigate their potential relevance for therapeutic interventions.

Visit the Autism Speaks Science page to find out more about current Science and latest Research.